Can You Be A Foster Parent With A Felony? Having a felony record could prevent you from completing many mundane tasks. You might not be able to get certain jobs and you may not be able to get a license.
The unfortunate truth is that having a felony will ruin many of your chances to complete some of life’s most notable tasks.
Some people are unable to have their own children or they think fostering is better. When you step up, you can help make a kid’s life so much better. The only problem is that you’re worried you won’t be able to become a foster parent due to your felony record.
Will a felony prevent you from becoming a foster parent? Will the agency consider your background check? Within this guide, you’ll learn about fostering a child with a criminal record.
Why Become A Foster Parent?
Can I be a foster parent with a criminal record? Have you been thinking about becoming a foster parent for a few months? If so, you should consider the pros of becoming a foster parent.
Unfortunately, there is a high demand for foster parents. A lot of children have been abandoned by their parents for one reason or another and these children need your assistance.
It is believed that children with foster parents will do much better than children living in care homes. It isn’t difficult to become a foster parent so more people need to step up and help the children in need.
Another thing to note is that foster parents can help keep families close. A child in a care home near you likely has a family member in the area. When you become a foster parent, you can help children stay close to their families.
Although you’re fostering the child, they can still see their parents. Allowing them to do so can make a big difference in the long run. Finally, you’ll agree that becoming a foster parent will be very rewarding.
You’re giving back and doing your best to help a child grow and develop. You’re giving the child a better life and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. You’ll know that you’re doing something special and you should feel good about that.
Potential Cons Of Fostering
Although fostering is ideal for a lot of men and women, it isn’t suitable for anyone. There are a few potential cons that could ruin the experience for you. For starters, you have to understand that it doesn’t always work out. There is a chance that you’re going to start fostering a child who isn’t compatible with you.
You might not be a good match with the child and it could ruin your chances. You may encounter difficult children and addicted babies. Another thing to note is that some children fit into the special needs category so caring for them will be harder.
Fostering can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but you need to be ready for potential challenges. It won’t be easy and you may run into issues but it’ll be worth it.
Becoming A Foster Parent
So, you’ve decided that you want to become a foster parent. You understand that you have a rough road ahead, but you’re willing to help. With patience and determination, you can achieve your goals and become a great foster parent.
Before you can become a foster parent, you need to be at least 21 years old. You also need to make sure that you’re in good physical health. You need to be open-minded, reliable, and flexible.
The exact process depends on the specific foster care center you’re working with. However, you should expect to receive several visits from someone at the facility. They want to make sure that your home is ideal for a foster child.
You’ll also need to partake in training. They need to make sure that you’re ready for the task. As a result, they’ll give you at-home training. The screening process guarantees that you’re going to be a great foster parent.
In addition to this, the process tries to pair foster parents with the right children. The process will thoroughly analyze your lifestyle and skills. Then, they’ll find a child who works great for your family’s abilities and lifestyle.
Can You Be A Foster Parent With A Felony?
Can a Felon be a foster parent? Over the years, things have changed a lot. In the past, it was impossible for felons to become foster parents, but that has changed. Today, someone with a felony on their criminal history can become a foster parent. Even if you have a felony record, you should apply to become a foster parent.
As long as you have a solid education and you’re financially stable, there is a good chance that you’ll be approved. Just remember that you’ll need to train extensively to ensure that you can properly foster the child in question.
Just remember that the specifics may vary from one foster agency to another. Some may not be willing to work with felons.
Either way, it is pertinent, to be honest when applying to become a foster parent. When submitting the application, make sure that you’re honest about your criminal record.
Failing to disclose a conviction is punishable by a return to prison. More importantly, it’ll knock you out of getting the opportunity to care for a child.
Foster Care Requirements
Before you can become a foster parent, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. It is pertinent to make sure that you qualify before applying with a foster agency.
If you don’t meet the requirements, you might be able to change that before applying. Either way, you have to learn more about the requirements before moving forward.
For starters, you cannot become a foster parent until you’ve reached 21 years of age. Then, you’ll need to pass a medical exam to prove that you’re physically able to handle the job.
You’ll also need to prove that you do not have any communicable diseases. Finally, you’ll need to pass a background check and show that you are right for the position. Although some agencies will hire felons, they’re not going to hire people who’ve been convicted of child abuse.
You may need to search around to find out which agencies will hire felons. Another thing to note is that the requirements could vary from one another to another.
What Disqualifies You From Fostering?
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, you’ll want to make sure that you’re a good candidate for the job.
Unfortunately, a few key attributes could prevent you from getting the position. For instance, your age can make a big difference. Below, you’ll learn more about the things that could disqualify you.
- Age
First and foremost, you need to make sure that you’re old enough to become a foster parent. In most cases, you’ll need to be at least 18 years or older. However, some agencies won’t let you adopt until you’re 21 or 25 years old.
You’ll need to be patient to ensure that you’re a good match. Check the laws in your state so you can find out how old you need to be.
Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to change this. You’ll have to wait until you reach the appropriate age before applying.
- Health
If you’re unhealthy, you likely won’t qualify to become a foster parent. As mentioned above, you’ll have to go through a series of health screens. If you’re sick and unable to care for a foster child, you won’t be able to get the job.
- Background Check
Ultimately, you have to worry about your criminal history. If you’ve been convicted of certain crimes, you might not be able to become a foster parent.
It depends on the agency you’re working with and the criminal charge. However, most agencies will not work with people who’ve been convicted of child abuse.
What Is The Background Check For Foster Parents?
When you decide to become a foster parent, you’ll be required to submit to a background check. To do that, the agency will likely collect your fingerprints. Then, those fingerprints will be used to check national crime databases for your criminal history.
The process can take several weeks or longer. With that being said, you cannot rush this process. You’ll have to wait for the agency to get your results and decide whether you qualify to become a foster parent.
Can You Adopt A Kid If You’re A Felon?
You may believe that you’ll be able to adopt a child as a felon. Is this possible? Unfortunately, you likely won’t be able to adopt a child if you have a felony conviction on your record. However, it depends on the agency and the type of conviction you have.
Certain felony convictions will immediately disqualify you from becoming an adoptive parent. You’ll need to receive federal approval and that won’t happen if you’ve been convicted of child neglect or abuse.
Also, you’ll likely be turned down if you have been convicted of violent crimes, sexual assault, homicide, or rape.
If you’re interested in adopting a child, it is pertinent to maintain a clear criminal record. Doing so will give you the best chance of adopting in the future.
Summary
A lot of people dream of fostering or adopting children. Although it’ll be a lot of work, it’ll pay dividends in the long run. Fostering is rewarding so it’ll pay dividends in the long run. However, it is a lot of work as well.
Just remember that you’ll need to qualify to become a foster parent before you can begin. To do that, you’ll need to pass a background check. However, you may still be able to become a foster parent despite having a felony conviction on your record.