Bi-polar and adoption?

A friend of mine is looking to adopt some kids that are in foster care, but shes bipolar and worried that it may have a negative affect on the process. She thinks the state wont allow her to adopt younger children because of her illness. Does anyone know if this is true? Any advice for her?
Thanks in advance! =D

The first thing that anyone will be concerned about will be if she is stable. If she is on her medication and has been stable for a long time, there should be no problems. The next thing they will look at will be what she has for a support system. Does she have a partner, how is the partner as far as mental and physical health. A lot of factors are considered in adopting children. I can also tell you that if these kids are already in care, her odds will be better than if she is trying to adopt a newborn and competing with more parents. If the birth parents have a choice like that her odds would go down.

If her mental health is under control and monitored and she has a good supporting doctor, I wish her the best of luck and hope that she will soon be a mother. Since Bipolar is genetic, I do want to commend her for looking into adoption instead of birth. As the mom (adoptive) of a daughter with several genetic issues, such as bipolar, I hope that she will choose adoption or child free.

Tell her good luck!!

i dont think it really matters, if shes a good person they would be better of with her then sum junkie like the people they seem to be putting children with these days

i'm sure if she is medicated she will be fine..


****...everyone i know is bipolar.

I would be more concerned about the negative affect on the children. I highly suggest she spare any children from this, and maybe get a dog instead.
Im sorry to sound so harsh, but too many people who can have their own kids and are Bipolar do severaly negatively affect their children.
If we have a choice, we should not do this to kids. We cannot assume that meds will be an all cure, and if they were, how can it be guaranteed that she will keep taking them?

It would help if her treating physician could certify that she has been compliant in following the treatment plan including counseling and medication. Putting a child in the care of someone with uncontrolled bipoar disorder is no favor to the child.

are you sure "she" isnt schizophrenic as well?

I think being mentally ill does matter. Many children are removed from homes where the parents may have some sort of mental illness, eg addiction, rage,or depression. My sister tried to foster and she couldn`t because she had an anxiety disorder. So make sure your friend mentions her illness, if she doesn`t CAS may disqualify her absolutely if she lies and they find out.

First, tell her to be honest with her social worker about her situation. If she lies about it they will find out and use it against her for not being honest.

They will have her get a physical from her doctor and as long as her illness is under control I do not believe they will use it against her.

In fact the way they look at it she will understand what some children may be going through and know what they are going through as someone that has never had any problems.

I was going to adopt before and my ex had problems before with bipolar and we were approved. So, just tell her to be honest about her situation. But if she doesnt have her illness under control she will need to do this first! good luck!

I agree with David. I think one who is bipolar and has a child is the one to worry about. Get the doctor to certify she is ok. Bipolar is sometimes considered a disability, but it is not hte norm.
I am bipolar and had m son 6 rs ago and I blame myself for his ADHD. Chances are it had no effect on him...but I applaud your friend for adopting, because I am adopted as well and my life has been good considering the alternative's.