Approximately 80 million Americans have some criminal record. That's one-third of the total population. These individuals often face a stigma when trying to get their lives back on track, making crucial everyday tasks like finding employment much harder.
If you have a criminal record, you may have dealt with this barrier before. It's frustrating, and it can feel unfair. Maybe you're interested in learning how to become a foster parent, but wondering if you can.
Can you foster with a criminal record? Find out as we go over some foster parent disqualifications.
Having a criminal record does not always disqualify you from fostering a child. It depends on the circumstances of the crime, the type, and how long ago it happened.
Yes, people must undergo a background check which involves fingerprint-based checks. Your agency will look at any past offenses. Anyone in the home with a felony conviction can disqualify you.
These offenses, as well as similar crimes, will also disqualify an applicant:
Each state may have different restrictions. Be sure to research your state's laws on foster parent requirements.
The goal of a foster and adoption agency is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. If your offense does not match any of the disqualifying crimes, you can apply to foster.
Keep in mind that all adults in the household need to pass a background check.
If you have questions, it doesn't hurt to reach out to the agency and ask for clarification. Each situation is different and your agency may work with you to learn more about the circumstances behind a conviction.
Having a criminal record doesn't necessarily disqualify you. As you can see, it depends on the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and the circumstances behind the event.
There are plenty of people with criminal records who have turned their lives around and want to raise a family. Mistakes made in the past do not have to ruin your future.
For instance, imagine you were younger and arrested for a DUI. After that, you went to get treatment and have been sober for several years now.
Circumstances like these happen all the time. If you want to find out more about whether foster parent disqualifications might stop you from fostering or adopting, talk to your agency.
Here are some other questions we often get that might help you.
Other than being convicted of a crime that could put a child in danger, there are a few more reasons why someone may not be able to get their foster license.
These include the following:
It's common for people to have questions about how much space they need, whether they can foster while renting, etc. You can find most of the information about state and agency requirements on an agency's website. Contacting a foster parent advocate is also an excellent way to get answers to specific questions.
Although certain felony convictions prevent some people from fostering children, your agency will work with you if there are special circumstances. You should have a chance to explain yourself.
Just remember that the goal in foster care is to find loving and stable homes for these kids. Safe environments do not expose them to threats like violence, drugs, alcohol, etc.
For instance, foster parents aren't allowed to physically discipline the children in their care.
There's always a chance that your qualification status can change.
Foster parents must have a desire to help children in need. They must be loving, patient, kind, and supportive.
Foster care is usually a temporary situation. These kids need a place to live and a family to look after them until they can safely return home to their parents or primary caregivers.
Other requirements include:
Although most people consider themselves somewhat open-minded, it's hard to turn off the feelings of doubt that can arise. Many people have an unconscious bias, believing in social stereotypes due to an individual's ethnicity, race, gender or gender identity, physical appearance, background, etc.
Although there are strict laws in place to push for equality, it's not always enough. People may not even be fully aware they're demonstrating unconscious bias when making decisions.
Unfortunately, many adults with a criminal history find themselves losing opportunities due to conscious or unconscious bias. You can improve your chances by providing solid and reliable character references.
Your agency relies on these statements to get a better picture of an applicant. They can come from supervisors, neighbors, longtime friends, etc. Character references can shift the focus to how you've been making positive changes in your life since the offense.
There are certain foster parent disqualifications you must understand, but a criminal background will not always disqualify you. Adults with misdemeanors can still usually foster. Even if you have a felony offense, certain circumstances may change your application status.
The foster parent process might seem daunting at first, but it all begins with a simple phone call. The Foster US Team is here to direct you to an agency in your area or to answer questions you have.
Contact us if you want to learn more about your options and how you can make a difference in a child's life.
If you are ready to become a foster parent, use the interactive map provided by Foster US Kids to find resources for foster care and adoption in your state.
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