I have questions about Child Adoptions?

Question

I am looking for information on adopting. I have sent off for several packets but before I get into all of the paperwork I want to know if the fact that my Fiance` and I have both had troubles in the past (drugs and arrest records) is going to keep us from being able to adopt. We are both clean and sober now and have been for years. I would hate to get all the way through the paperwork and get denied because of past indescretions. Also, does it really matter to State Adoption Agencies how much a families household income is? I hope someone can answer us.. Thank you!

Answer 1

The SW will ultimately decide, but if you are honest about your troubles and how you overcame them and what you learned from those experiences, most will not have a problem with non-violent offenses.

I don't think they care about your total income, only that there is enough money in your monthly budget to care for a child's needs.

Answer 2

First, if you are not married you cannot adopt together (in most states).  Sometimes an agency will ask one of you to be the designated adoptor, others say you have to be married for a certain amount of time.  Ask!

About your past.....there are some crimes that WILL bar you from adopting.  The specific offenses are dictated by each state, your agency should know which are relevant.  That's not up to the SW, he/she needs to follow state law.  If what you have done is not on the list, you will have opportunities to explain if and how you have been rehabiltated.  Your SW will probably ask you how long you have been clean, how you will keep drugs out of your home etc.  Most SWs are pretty up front with what they dig up, and will present their concerns to you as they arise so you don't have to hold your breath to find out if you are approved.

Ah, the financial part.  This is somewhat subjective, however it's not meant to keep people from adopting.  When your SW recommends your family to the judge as an adoptive family, they need to show that you have the finances to provide for another household member.  It's more about the ability to manage debt and plan for the future than a specific income level.  They want to make sure you have the bugeting skills to feed and clothe a child.

PS- When you hire an agency, THEY work for YOU.  Make sure they are willing and able to answer all your questions before you fill out paperwork or pay anything.

Answer 3

I would be up front and honest with the adoption agency.  You may have to provide proof that you are clean (i.e. drug and alchohol testing) and of course they will do an interview and home visit.  I think adoption is a great thing as I myself was adopted.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

I thank you should give it a week or two to see how it goes fine to see if you are ready to handle a child

Answer 5

It depends on how far in the past is your record and what type of charges you have. With state adoptions, family household income is not a huge issue, but you must be able to show that you are able to manage your household and bringing a child into your home will not cause a financial burden for you nor will it bring a child back into foster care. Depending on what type of child you adopt, you may be eligible for adoption assistance until the child reaches the age of 18.

Answer 6

i would ask job and family service

Answer 7

A reputable adoption agency will be able to tell you what is required by your state.  I'm not sure if past drug/arrest records will play a part, but it is better to be honest with the agency upfront.  

As for the question on household income.  The reason that they request that information is because they want to insure that you can afford a child and to insure the child is not being harmed with lack of medical care, etc.  

Good luck to you.  Adoption is a wonderful journey.

Answer 8

http://www.gitgan.com/kirsten/

this family adopted three children recently and she goes through the whole process of state adoption...good luck

Answer 9

your past should not affect you, although you did not mention what you were arrested for...if it had anything to do with a child, then you will be denied...if it was drugs / dui / traffic...whatever, then it shouldn't be a problem...they will find out about it and ask you questions, but just be honest...as far as your income, you do need to have a good debt to income ratio...which means, you need to make more than you owe!

Answer 10

It depends upon the requirements of the agency handling the home study.  Almost all agencies I know have rules against  adoptions for people who have been convicted of felonies.  If your offenses were juvenile offenses, Misdemeanors, or Diversions I think that you could pass a homestudy if everything else checked out ok.   Income is definitely a scope of the homestudy.  They are not typically looking for rich parents, just parents who can support a child.   I would defintely get your personal references ready to go!

Answer 11

well ask the agency before doing paperwork