Can you adopt with MS?

kiwigirl

Hi All

Does anyone know if you can adopt when you have MS?

TIA

Mishy

They shouldn't discriminate against anyone but I would look into it if I was you though.

I don't see why you can't if you have it under control.

Bossyboots

It would depend on the type of MS you have. Obviously, in most cases a long term commitment is being sought so if you are likely to be incapacitated in the not too distant future it would have to be weighed on balance whether more harm could be done to a child in that placement, than not being adopted or being adopted elsewhere. However, it may be that if you were willing to take older children you would be okay.

I would hope the decision would be based simply on whether you would be able to offer long term care and support to a needy child and not simply based on your MS as this in itself does not necessarily stop you parenting.

If you are serious about applying why not get involved with an MS group and contact your local social services for a chat as well.

Prudent

Perhaps you could considering doing short term or respite fostering first ?This would demonstrate that you are physically able to look after a child.

windym_2

A friend at my son's school has MS and she fosters for 2 children. Her MS is a bit temperamental and can be so bad some days that she can't get out of bed. Shouldn't be a problem really. Present your case to the authorities before they question you about it, that way you can say 'I am prepared, I can deal with it' sort of thing.

pennineman

Check here. There will be someone who can advise. I've found them really useful.

May depend on the type of MS you have and its likely course. Also, since January this year, MSers are covered by the Disability Discrimmination Act.