[Andrea_in_WV]

My husband and I are very interested in fostering a child but have no clue where to begin and if we should even bother trying. We live in Wyoming County, WV, and we just discovered that we can not have children. We have both always wanted to make a difference in a child's life and foster or adopt even if we did have children of our own... but now that having children is out of the question we are really wanting to take the next step and foster. The problem is that I have been reading that criminal records can be problems, in this situation... When my husband was 18 he got into a little trouble regarding worthless checks. He was young and silly and didn't really understand how checking worked. Regardless he paid his dues, and was charged with misdemeanors on his record. While on probation for these, the very last check was not processed until after he was placed on probation and he spent 10 days in jail because of the check coming in after the fact and they called it Violating Probation. He hasnt been on probation or in any sort of trouble for many years. I have no record at all, and that's the only thing on my husbands record. I was curious to see if this would hurt our chances at becoming foster parents? Thank you so much for your time!

[butterfly8626]

My husband had some charges on his record from his younger days and it didn't stop us. We just had to sit down and explain them at one of our interviews. The lady working us just made notes and said that they wouldn't be any problem.

[mylovebug]

As long as you are up front and explain the situation there probably won't be any issues with it.I say go for it and make a difference in some childrens lives. Good luck!!

[Empty_Nest]

From the research I've done lately, the main things they worry about are things like child abuse and other violent crimes, substance abuse, etc. I'm no expert by any means, but my advice is to call the county and lay your cards on the table. Explain what you've said here. If years have passed since this happened and there have been no other incidences since, I guess I'd be surprised if they hold youthful non-violent offenses against you now.

Good luck.

[Melissa1978]

I hope it is fine. I think that being up front is the most important. On my application, i had to put that i smoked pot on occasion in high school. i figured, it would be best to be honest and upfront, and hope that the fact it was 14 years ago, it wont be held against me....

[Mkuhlmann06]

Definitely be upfront and honest, but I HIGHY doubt that that alone would prevent you and your DH from being approved.

[ALfostermom]

definitely be up front and honest about it before they do your criimnal check. because if they find it later they could think if they hid this from us what else could they be hiding.....I agree that i think they are mainly checking for things that can affect a child's safety

[mamaofmany]

I am not sure of the laws in your state, but here it depends on the type of crime and how long ago it was. It may be ok since it was so long ago. you could just call and ask the foster parent coordinator at your DFS and see what they say. It may be ok, since it was not violence or abuse of any kind.

[JJemail1]

Hi Andrea,

I think you should get started! Here's a link to WV's foster/adoptive parent inquiry: West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families - Foster/Adoptive Care Online Inquiry

Simply fill out this online form and wait to be contacted. Alternatively, I imagine you can contact the agency directly to speed up the process. If you call the agency, you can ask your question directly and get a definitive answer.

Best of luck!
Jennifer

[mommy2fiveplus]

I was young and stupid once too, I was convicted of a misdomeaner charge 1 week after my 18th b-day so it couldn't be put on my juvenile record. It has not stopped my from fostering or adopting, I was licensed 3 years later with no problems. I just told the social worker what happened and how sorry I was, they never questioned it. The ones they do not allow involve violent crimes and abuse/neglect to animals, children, or the elderly.

Good Luck

[GAMOM75]

We were ALL young and stupid at some point in our lives. Some of us just made bigger mistakes than others. (Me included) Just be honest and you should be fine. The state looks for patterns of behavior and things that would harm a child.

I know personally, that I am not what society may call “perfect”, however I pride myself in the fact that our home is filled with unconditional love, laughter, support and respect. Keep in mind, children are also not perfect. Some of the best parents I have ever seen are those who lived "young and stupid" lives. Like my children, your children will learn that mistakes are just opportunities to learn and to grow from.

Congrats on your decision to foster. Don't let your past stop you from changing someone's future.

-Your character is not defined by your mistakes. It is what you do next that defines it….(author unknown)

[lyly]

I'm at the ending process of becoming a foster parent and when i was young i had an assault battery charge in my record. All i had to do was write an explanation and the court papers and the worker just has her supervisor decline or approve the waiver. And i got the waiver approved. So unless it's something really bad you should be fine.