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Understanding Adoption and Criminal Records
Couples, as well as individuals throughout the world, are always looking to foster or adopt children for a variety of reasons. There is a screening process and a criminal record check that needs to be completed. There are a lot of rules in place in order to ensure the child’s safety. This means that candidates will always need to be heavily screened before they can be approved to adopt or foster.
While some people are unable to have children of their own, others feel as if it is their calling to welcome another bundle of joy into their home. No matter the reason that they are looking to adopt, there are always different regulations, steps, and rules that have to be followed before anyone can adopt or foster a child.
If you are found to have a criminal record after the criminal record check has been done, you may be wondering how this will affect your chances of approval. While there will always be consequences for your actions, it doesn’t mean that a mistake in your past will need to dictate the rest of your life. Let’s take a look to understand more!
The Economic Hardships and Educational Barriers
Family members of incarcerated individuals have often been referred to as hidden victims. They are victims of the criminal justice system who are neither given a platform to be heard or even acknowledged. These victims receive very little personal support and never benefit from systematic societal mechanisms that are usually available to direct crime victims.
This is despite their similarities to direct crime victims and their prevalence. Children of parents who have been involved in the criminal justice system usually face a huge host of difficulties and challenges. Some of these difficulties and challenges include antisocial behaviour, psychological strain, expulsion or suspension from school, criminal activity, and economic hardship.
It is critical that correctional practitioners work to develop strong partnerships with public schools, law enforcement, and child welfare agencies.
Are you ready to clear your criminal record?
Start by checking your eligibility. Check my eligibilityLearn what we do for youSome of the Barriers You May Face if You Want to Adopt a Child
When you have a criminal record, there will always be the chance that it will be used against you in family court. That is why, if you have a criminal record, you are better off beginning the process of obtaining documents for a pardon. This way, you can show that you have made the effort to reform.
It will also attest to your character in court when the final decision is being made. If you are fostering, you will undergo a criminal record check every 5 years. Some provinces will even require them as frequently as 3 years depending on the region.
The fostering process also involves:
- Full health and safety checks in the home;
- Evidence from previous employers;
- Written references;
- Medical reports;
- Ex-partner checks (with permission);
- Children’s aid society checks;
- Vulnerable sector police screens.
Barriers You May Face in Child Custody
The judge in child custody will always assess each parent’s personality. Whether one or both parents have a criminal record, this is something that must be considered as it is relevant to determining the best interest of the child. Judges will consider:
- The nature of the crime;
- Who the victim was;
- The type of sentence received;
- Whether there is a pattern of criminal activity.
Get a Record Suspension
You should try to get a record suspension in order to put the past behind you and more into a confident future. A record suspension will remove any barriers holding you back and allow more opportunities in. When you are ready to start the process, we can help.
Call us today for a free consultation at 1 (866) 972-7366.
