Can you foster/adopt after a DWI in Texas?

Question

My husband and I were foster parents a few years ago and loved it. We stopped when he deployed from Iraq and somewhere after that he got a DWI. Now he's in Iraq again and will be back in October (over a year since the DWI) Is it even worth applying to be foster parents again? It would make me so sad if we couldn't continue service. I can't have children of my own and we hope to adopt someday, but it's better if I know now and can start making other plans. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

By all means, apply to be foster parents again.  Most states have a list of criminal offenses that automatically bar people from having a foster care license.  Offenses of the list are almost all related to weapons, drugs, or crimes against children.  To my knowlege, DWI is not on any automatic bar lists. Yes, the DWI willl show up on your records, but if you can explain what happened and how you have learned from it, there's no reason why that alone would bar you from fostering.  Good luck, you've got big hearts.

Answer 2

It would depend on the laws of the state.  As you know, there are background checks issued, but I really don't see a problem with "just" a dwi...I know probably "just" isn't the best word to use and I am sure I will get slammed for it...but it's better than what the parent's do to actually force their children into foster care!  Good luck!

Answer 3

Texas does require a criminal check, so unfortunately, I believe the DWI will appear on that.  If I were you, I would contact the local foster care program and ask them.  They will best be able to tell you.  I did find some additional information about Texas Adoption Requirements at http://adoption.about.com/cs/fosteringby...

Hope that helps.  Good luck to you.