Does criminal record affect international adoption?

Question

If a felon can not adopt in America..can they adopt anywhere else? What can an American do to adopt?

Answer 1

I don't know how the laws stands in the US, but generally speaking when you adopt a child abroad you still need to undertake assessments (normally done by social services) in your own country. I would assume that part of these assessments include a Criminal Records check.

Answer 2

It depends on the crime, how long it's been since the crime was committed, and the country you are working with.

I would talk to an international adoption agency.

Answer 3

There are many felonies that don't affect adoption, and many that will follow for the rest of your life.  

If in the case, you were the driver for a convenience store hold-up and were 18 at the time, did your time, and have had a good life since, there might be a chance that you could be pardoned by the govenor or the president.  It's an election year, which is a good time to ask.  Google their contact sights, you'll have to fill out forms, and have as much information as possible in front of you.  

By not be able to adopt, own a gun, or vote, it is part of a continuing stigma that is associated with doing a crime, and should often follow people.  By following them, maybe they can teach others not to do the same thing.

If you've ever physically abused someone, used a gun in violence, murdered, or some other things, chances are there is no hope anywhere to adopt, and there shouldn't be.  If you've straightened your life out, and some people do, I hope the best for you.  If you haven't, it's a good thing the laws exist.

Answer 4

Um, what kind of a felony? Something like a civil rights protest? Or something we would all agree is bad?

If it is a protest, that wouldn't necessarily disqualify someone from adoption, domestic or international. During the homestudy the social worker will question the person extensively about the crime, and if they believe there are extenuating circumstances then it is possible that they would approve a homestudy for the person. Or not.

But if the felony was serious, then the person cannot adopt internationally either. Children from other countries need GOOD parents also. Other countries pay close attention to who is allowed to adopt their children, and the US State Department and Immigrations services do as well. Why would it be otherwise?

I think you need to take a step back and look at this. Maybe I'm missing something you didn't say, but as someone who adopted internationally I was really quite appalled at the question.

Answer 5

Depends on the charge and what country you are trying to adopt from.  They all have different rules.