Difficulty in adopting

[thathippymomma]

Hello all, new here. Not a mum yet but definitely will be within the next 5 years or so. DH and I would love to adopt, whether from home or abroad. I myself have an interesting parental story so I feel like I am more drawn to wanting to open my heart and home to a child in need. The main issue we have is that DH father is in prison for child sex abuse related crimes. One of the remits for adoption is that no direct relative can have any convictions against children. It's not a common circumstance, but I was wondering if ANYONE else out there has had this issue and if they were still able to adopt. DH has a restraining order and DH's father will be imprisoned for a very long time. DH has also changed his surname to mine so his father can never find or contact us. Any advice? The last thing I'd want is to put an already vulnerable child in harm's way, but what is the difference in us having our own children?

Any help and advice appreciated x

Hi thathippymomma I'm afraid I have no advice. You will need to tell social services about your father in law. It does seem very unfair that this evil man could spoil your chances of adopting. I think you would just need to talk to adoption services and see what the situation is.

Is it an absolute rule ? Because if you have all the measures in place you do then surely you would at least be considered esp if you can show there has been no contact for a v long time etc.
Approach some local authorities and agencies for a chat and get a better idea of your chances is my advice.

Hiya, ive been in a similar position apart from mine wasnt imprisoned. anyway my sw arranged for a seperate assessment to be done by an outside company. the assessment covered my ability to safeguard and protect from abusers in the future. i do have a bc already. I got a positive result from that and hoping to move onto stage 2 very soon. it could be worth asking the question if your authority provide this.

the assessment was called " The capacity to protect"