[MilehighDad]

If it was just one incident and they were not separated, I think that the "inappropriate touching" with a six-year old sounds like completely normal child behavior over-reported on kids in the system. Also, I don't agree with the prohibition on adopting out of birth order, as you can tell by my signature lines. You need to evaluate the information you have and make your best decision, but if there is a true danger to your younger son, social services won't even allow the placement.

You should never assume or pretend that taking on a child from foster care won't have an impact on your birth son, because it most certainly will. That impact will be both good and bad, like all things in life. He will envy and resent the extra attention a newly placed child will demand. He will love having a sibling to play with and sometimes hero-worship his older brother. And, he will learn, as a direct and real example from you, that there are people out there, other kids, who need our help and love. At times, our birth sons are horribly frustrated with the behavior of their sisters. But, our fourteen year old son also has a deep and ingrained compassion for them and was our strongest advocate of adopting again six months ago.

Good luck!