Hi...by your statement about adopting a child who needs a home, I'm assuming you're considering adopting through your state. If you are, congratulations! My husband & I are also.
If you're looking to adopt through a birth parent, then none of us can give you advice because then it will depend on what that one particular person is looking for, same with an agency..it'll depend on what they will accept, but if you're adopting through the state it's a whole different ball game.
My husband was arrested four times and we both led a very wild lifestyle....the typical "sex, drugs and rock & roll" kind of life. We have since mellowed and are now ready to be parents. We were completely honest about our past years and we ended up being the most sought after homestudy in our district due to the issues we've dealt with and
how we dealt with them. That's a big thing with the state...they don't want couple who tries to pass themselves off as "the perfect couple"because the fact is, these children come with issues that "perfect" people will not be able to handle it. My husband & I went to a marriage counsler for 6 months and they loved that! Why? Because it showed we were open to therapy. What I'm trying to say is....what the state is looking for and what a private agency/birthparent is looking for are two totally different things....different qualities.
They will probably look at your husband's disorder (as long as he's keeping it under control) as that he will be able to relate to a child with simular symptoms.
As for the arrests....as long as they weren't child related or violent, you'll be okay. Like I said, my hubby was arrested and it didn't affect our homestudy at all.
If you weren't considering adopting through your state, please do. These children need a family and if you both want to be parents...it's a great way to do it!
Good luck....get the ball rolling...call your state's DCS office and find out when the next MAPP class starts. Keep me updated!!