Arkansas adoptions usually require a home study, a professional check up to make sure that the would-be adoptive parents can provide a stable and healthy home for the adopted child. The home study includes health checks as well as background checks and safety checks for the home. But what do the health checks involve? Are you healthy enough to adopt?
Life expectancy
The most basic requirement, from a health standpoint, is that you should be alive long enough to bring up the child. A diagnosis of cancer or AIDS with a prognosis suggesting that you won’t be around long enough to bring the child up to adulthood would be an obstacle to adoption. Heart disease and dementia are other examples of conditions that can shorten a lifespan to the point of making someone a poor choice for an adoptive parent.
As always, the good of the child is the central factor in the decision-making. A young child is assumed to need ongoing care from his or her parents for many years, and it is essential that the parent be well enough to provide that care over the long term.
Overall wellness
In the past, conditions like diabetes or arthritis were sometimes given as examples of conditions that could make someone unfit to adopt. Nowadays, well-managed chronic diseases are not necessarily an obstacle to adoption.
As part of the home study, the primary care physician of each family member must make a statement affirming that they are in good enough health to care for a child. In most cases, the statement from the doctor is the main factor in the decision.
Disability
A disability is not always an obstacle to adoption. In fact, people with disabilities are protected from discrimination in the adoption process by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, it is essential to consider how a disability might affect the child-rearing process. If this is your situation, you should be ready to share your plans for meeting the challenges with the social worker who conducts your home study.
There are resources for parents with disabilities. For example, the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities offers lots of information. Your social worker may also have local resources to suggest.
Mental health and substance abuse
Mental health issues and substance abuse can be serious obstacles to adoption. However, past problems that are now under control do not have to prevent adoption. It is best to be straightforward with your social worker if this is an issue for you.
Some of the aspects of your case that are likely to be considered include your ability to manage your condition, your support system, and your doctor’s statement.
The bottom line is that the wellbeing of the child is the most important question. That said, don’t assume that you must be in perfect health in order to be approved for adoption. Many factors are considered in deciding whether you are healthy enough to adopt. Heimer Law can assist and support you throughout your adoption journey. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Inquiry Form