Can my medical history affect my chances of adoption?

[Ponocky]

I've always wanted to adopt a child. I can't explain it but it almost feels like a calling, like something I have to do. My husband and I agreed that if we couldn't have our own biological children we would adopt, but we were lucky enough to have a baby boy in April. We want two children but I really want to adopt a second rather than try for another naturally. My only concern at present is how my personal medical history might affect our chances. In 2013 I suffered a bout of severe depression which made me question life's worth (but not since) and since having my boy I suffered with anxiety. That was down to him being sick since birth though and no medical professionals listening to me. At 5 months he was diagnosed CMPA allergic and life has been 100% better since! It all looks quite black and white on my medical records though without context.

I would like to adopt a 3-4 year old boy in the future, when my biological son is around 5 (If that's allowed?), but could my past hinder this? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I can't find the answer on the web. Thanks in advance!

[Lovebehindthefool]

If you have suffered things in the past and can prove that you have addressed them properly and would address them properly again in the future then no, it doesn’t have to affect your chances.

[Ponocky]

That's great to hear! Thank you very much

[Rainatnight]

You usually need a three year gap between your youngest and the newly adopted child so if your biological son would be 5 then you'd be looking at 2 or under.

[Ponocky]

Thanks for the age gap info Rain. I did a bit of reading and appreciate the logic behind the general rule now. I wouldn't be as keen to adopt a 2 year old or younger purely because I've heard children who are older than that have a harder time finding families. That was my basic thinking behind wanting roughly a 3 - 4 year old boy. Perhaps I should therefore consider adopting when my son is 6 - 8 years old, or older.

I know I have years to wait and a lot of research to do but it's good to start somewhere.