Can you foster parent in texas even after a DWI?

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

It should not hinder your ability to foster parent. It should not even hinder you in adoption as long as you are up front with the social worker during the homestudy. You obviously have a good record with foster parenting, both of you take service very seriously, and of all the people out there I would think a social worker would consider you on the top of the list as parents! Don't give up your work because of something so minor, just be totally up front when applying with the social service agency.

Answer 2

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...

Answer 3

There is no specific law which prohibits you from fostering or adopting, but ANY agency can turn you down for ANY reason.

Just make the calls (anonymously!) and ask!

It would help, when it comes time for the homestudy, for your hubby to show that he does not have a problem with alcohol -- write up an explanation of what happened, or go to a counselor who can assess him, and provide that report.

Of course, if this was anything other than a stress induced mistake, you should address this as a couple to make sure it does not ever happen again.  However, the social worker who does your homestudy must make an assessment as to your mental and emotional health - and some would turn you down because of this DWI, and some may not.

It's a risk -- take a long, hard look at your lifestyle and habits to make sure neither of you has a problem with alcohol first.  If you do not, then move forward and hope for the best.  It's all you can do.  But ask first!  Most social workers and agencies already have a professional position on whether this is a problem or not.  But keep in mind, they must also look at the BIG picture.   A man with one DWI but no stable employment may be different from a man with one DWI who has worked at the same profession for five years, for example.

Good luck to you!!

Answer 4

I cannot answer your question with 100% certainty but I believe the answer is yes, you can.  As far as I am aware the only crimes which will completely disqualify you are murder, rape, kidnapping, child molestation or other similar crimes.  I encourage you to be 100% honest with your agency.  A one-time youthful indiscresction can probably be overlooked.

For example, I know that possesion of alcohol by a minor will not disqualify you.  I just know OK.