Adoption, any discrimination against TS ?

[BreenaDion]

As I am a M2F TS in the start of my third yr of Transitioning and married for 25 yrs to a now retired CNA. We have 2 adult children who we love so very much a Daughter 20 now living with her BF and a 18 yr old son in his last yr of school who is still at home and will be for seeable future. Thinking of the future and of having the empty nest syndrome my spouce and I talked again about adoption. She having worked for the state of Massachusetts for 30 yrs as a C.N.A. caring for handicapt children in a hospital school. I had my own business for 25 as a carpenter and we are now both disabled.

My question being how much discrimination and or scrutiny will we put under if we go forward with this adoption process. We live in a afordable housing community and which they had to do a cori check aka a criminal background check .
Only problem is my mopping up of PTSD treatment which will begin again in a couple more months. In 2 days I see that evil witch of a gender therapist which fails in psychology. Damn I am dreading her again but like what I have been doing last 3 yrs is yes mam and suck up to her crap. I don't say whats on my mind with her cause I would get the axe LOL.

We was thinking of a little boy age 4-6 if possible . Also because my spouce worked for the state the adopting is free. Thanks for your input.

Breena.

[kellycan27]

My husband and i adopted 2 kids ages 1 and 4 (brother and sister) here in Ca. I don't know what the requirements for adoptining on Ma are, but here we were not only checked out for criminal records, but also financial ability, job stabbilty, relationship stability, and the ability to prvide suitable housing. I was already fully transitioned when we sdopted and we are both professionals ( doctor and CPA). I don't think that my being trans was as important an issue as some of the others. As you well know kids are expensive..food, clothing ,housing, schooling, dental, medical insurance etc so your finances are are going to be scrutinized.

Kel

Best of luck to you!

[Stephanie-L]

Kelly raises a good point. Your being Trans is probably less important than a lot of other things, like the fact that you are both disabled. I know that they are not supposed to discriminate because of that, but they will look at whether you can provide for a child on your income, which may be difficult, especially since they require more from adoptive parents than many natural parents provide, things like the child must have their own room, etc. Also, they may want to wait until you are finished with transition, they wouldn't want to put a kid into a home where one parent is having major medical issues, like surgery, until all of that is settled. Since in a lot of places, gay or lesbian couples can adopt fairly easily, I would think that you adopting as two women would not be much of an issue. You are still fairly young, so age will not be a factor either. Best of luck to you.................Stephanie

[melissaK]

These programs vary by jurisdiction. Best interests of the child govern the process. Wherever there is room for discretion, there is opportunity for discrimination, but that doesn't mean it will happen.

In my locale investigation of applicants is lcomprehensive as others have mentioned, and you must attend classes so you become aware of all the issues that can come into play. When I did the classes we had people from all walks of life. It was enjoyable and I learned a lot.

(My wife and I went for a particular adoption of a group of siblings split up in foster care placement, and an existing foster parent had a change of heart and adopted the group - so happy ending.)

[Traci Elizabeth]

It seems to me you have bigger issues than adopting right now. Coning your shrink for one. PTSD and what that implies or is that a con too? Both disabled "now????" Transitioning???????????

[BreenaDion]

My spouse has a great health insurance plan and it comes with her disability package for life. Navigator by Tuffs with G.I.C. is supplied for state workers for the Mental health. We choice our own Dr's without a referral and copay is 20$ and up. Same as medication great price as most are 10-20$ a month. I am not sure about room requirements in this state but as child reaches a certain age you must split boys in one bdrm an girls in another. We both are on a fixed income and with an adoption we will get benefits from the social security and state retirement board. We are in a community based apartment a very nice mix and what I like about it that its safe here. Transition I think that is discrimination and I will probably never have funds for SRS. Only in 2014 if its mandated then I will as of now I have excepted my fate.

As far as Mental heath issues, best for me not to comment on this issue. See my social worker Thursday and I know first hand she would help me with an adoption. I need to finish my pause from therapy after the holidays and finish the treatment if we do go forward on this.

The problem I could foresee is intense scrutiny because I might buckle under stress. If that happens I have plenty of Professionals and friends that will gladly give us character references.

Thanks. Breena.