[StacyKelly2]

Just wondering how things are going. I read your post, and often wonder how you are doing.

[DebCsMom]

The others are right, you don't have to place with the state, in fact DON'T! You will have ALL the say if you do decide to place by using an agency or atorney. FIRST & the MOST IMPORTANT thing, is to get some counseling.

We adopted a little girl at birth who has recently been diagnosed with Early Onset Bi-Polar & PDD. She is now 4 years old. We knew NOTHING about this disorder when we adopted her. She is now "stable" & doing AMAZING!!! She has so much "sparkle" in her eyes now that we have never seen before! We have an Open Adoption & I am able to get the information we need to help make our daughter better.

I can't say I understand your feelings & thoughts but knowing my daughter's illness, I can only imagine yours. Talk around. Call some counselors, attorneys, agencies. IF IF IF adoption is the plan you make for your son, you are in control! You call all the shots! YOU decide what is best for him, WHO is best for him. You make sure what you want for him is what you GET!! Know what I mean???

I wish you all the luck in the world! Take Care of Yourself!!

Deb

[wannabemomagain]

My dear I am with most all here leave the state out of this but, remember if your set on adoption find the family who will allow as much contact as possible. Also keep in mind that all moms need a break find a family member to send your child to for a week, take time to think this thru maybe when your child returns you will discover that adoption isn't what you want, all moms need a break and no being a mom isn't easy but your sickness you can control in some points Hey you've made it this far!! Keep your chin up and think it thru, as with an agency you would probly have better luck posting on adoption situations ... Good luck

[MountainMomma14]

My heart goes out to you. I too suffer from depression and have three children. Even when I am having a "good" day it can be a struggle. That is just what parenting is at times. If you want to you can parent with bi-polar, you just have to take the steps to take the best care of yourself as you can so you can be the best mommy to him that you can be.

If you feel you are a danger to him then you need to get him someplace safe immediately. If you think that you can just sign him over and start fresh that is not the case. Things will never be the way they were before him. I suggest you get medical help for yourself so you can be balanced, then seek counseling to see what is really the best course of action for both of your well-being.

As others have said please do not go through the state. And be sure to really research and check-out any agencies you consider working with. There are some scary ones out there.

I will be praying for you both and I truly hope you keep us updated.

[2tone]

Man........ this has to be hard...Im giving two older children up for adoptio for simular reasons....there is adoption assistance - Usually you talk to an adoption Lawyer first I think...Have you looked it up on line?

[Boulderbabe]

As a foster mom for the county, I just want to toss in a couple of other issues.

First, if you have not abused or neglected your child, the state can't take the kid away. So you would have the same rights to a voluntary relinquishment that you'd have with a private agency. One thing you might ask a social worker at DSS about is whether or not you might be able to help select a family. I promise, there are lots of us nice people foster parenting!

The good thing about relinquishing through the state is that you can guarantee that your kids will have the services they need. This is pretty important if you're bipolar, because your children are at risk of being bipolar as well. In our state, kids adopted through the foster care system have guaranteed health insurance until they are 18, and a really good support network for parents that can help identify problems early. My son has a bipolar birthmom and four bipolar grandparents, and boy, have I been grateful for all the early screening and intervention we've received.

So, depending on what state you're in, relinquishing to the state may not be an entirely bad plan.