Can you adopt a child if you have attempted suicide in the past?

Question

In the future (years in the future) my husband and I would love to adopt a child- either here (we're Canadian) or internationally. We're pregnant with our first child, but I've always wanted to adopt as well.

The problem: I have attempted suicide in the past. Twice in the same year. I had gone through some crazy stuff and I was suffering with severe depression. I got professional help, and I'm better now. I'm actually happy, and have been for quite a long time. I'm able to work, I'm on absolutely no medication, (I came off it with my doctor's blessing). My doctor encouraged my wish to have children and he says I will be an excellent mother. I recently volunteered in a daycare, using him as a reference.

This goes without saying, but I have no criminal record, I have never and and everyone who knows me would vouch for me as character references.

My husband is a sweetheart who loves kids, no record, and has a very good, stable job.

What do you think- will we be able to adopt in the future? I really want to help a child who needs a home- ever since I was a little girl.

I'm 24 and my hubby is 29- been married six years Sept 7th.

Thank you for reading :)

Answer 1

I can't really say yes or no to your question. I do know that you and your husband will be extensively screened. There is no harm in trying tho. Good luck!

Answer 2

I dont know any laws (at least in my country) that say you cant adopt a child if you have attempted suicide. So I think, no problem....

Answer 3

I don't know if there's any rules, but if they just go on character I wouldn't think that you would have a problem.

Answer 4

Think of how much you could help a teen going through depression and contemplating suicide!  Have you thought about foster care?  

Answer 5

I think a treated mental health issue would not be a problem in foster care adoption. They'll ask about it, and may want a letter from your doctor about the treatment, but I don't think they'd deny an otherwise capable parent based on that.

I think international adoption would be a little tougher. Some countries (I'm thinking China in particular, but it's not that country alone) are pretty concerned about mental health issues. I'm not saying it can never happen and absolutely wouldn't be allowed, but I think it would be more of a roadblock.

There are many, many children in foster care in North America who need homes, so I think you're very likely to have a chance to provide that home. Bearing in mind that adopted children don't owe you any more gratitude or affection than biological children do, I think you could give plenty of love and support to a child even with that kind of mental health history.

Answer 6

no criminal record, no meds, already taking care of a child. yup your a-ok!

and congrats on your recovery to happiness!!!

Answer 7

Child rapists have so I can't imagine someone suicidal not being able to.  I would just stick to having your own kids.

  

Answer 8

I think you should be fine you sound like you've really made your life better! I think they might do some checks but everything should be ok. Good luck!

Answer 9

I think they will probably give you a mental health evaluation if it was very recent.

If it wasn't, then I doubt they will be too worried.

If you're not on medication, i don't think that they will worry about it at all.

Good for you for wanting to adopt, people like you took me out of my unhappy home and gave me a great life when I was a kid.

Answer 10

They are quite picky about that kind of thing. But that happened a long time ago, I figure they will give a psych. test and you should be fine. I hope things work out for you. I think adoption is a wonderful thing. God Bless!