I am desperately hoping to adopt a child internationally. I am asingle woman, 31, a Christian with a special needs biological son whom I have raised happily since birth (he is now thriving, gets good grades and is very involved with our church youth group). I have a steady job that pays very well in Real Estate, a nice, large (rented) house in a child-friendly neighborhood and a tremendous desire to have another child or children to love. I never met the right man after my divorce many years ago and I do not believe in becoming pregnant out of wedlock.
Five years ago, before I was a Christian, I got involved with a man and was living with him in an abusive relationship. When I tried to leave, he hit me and then claimed i hit him which I did not.
He had me arrested but he later admitted the charges were false
(in writing). The case went to court but the state declined to prosecute.
Do I need to disclose this since everything was dropped? Will it show up on any background checks-FBI etc.?? I would rather not discuss this horrible event in my life with a social worker or anyone else unless I have to. If there is a record, is there a way to get it expunged? I have been hesitating to start the home study because I don't know how to handle this. The adoption agency I am working with only asked about convictions, not arrest's. Does a false arrest need to be disclosed? I know I can be a great parent (again) to the child or children I hope to adopt.
Please help!
Mary