DBS

[dayzmay123]

Hi, we are in the first stages of adoption process and now need to do DBS for us and household members over 18. My 18 year old son has just told us the reason why he gave up his car wasn't because of the cost but because he had been stay a mates one night and smoked some cannabis and pulled over for drug driving the following morning. Will this now prevent us for moving forward? He is deeply ashamed and said he wouldn't do it again but that's not the point its now go show up as a criminal conviction. Too scared ask adoption SW at the moment wanted some opinions first so i am prepared.

I wouldnt have thought so.

Its offences against children which would be problematic

He’s young and he stuffed up, its not exactly dealing class A drugs. I’m sure you will be Ok
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The offence in and off itself isn’t an issue though I imagine SW will want to know how long ago it was and will be concerned that a child placed with you might be exposed to drugs or drug use. It’ll be much more important for your son to think through how he’ll talk about it and how he can reassure you and social workers that it’s not a risk.

It should be fine, I had a similarish conviction as the adopter and it wasn’t a problem.

How long ago was yours though @SimonJT, I’d want to explore a recent (eg under a year) conviction especially related to drug use if this is someone an adopted child would be around on a regular basis. I’m not saying it would prevent adoption but given so many children come to adoption from homes where drug use is an issue I can see SW wanting to explore it with the OPs son. OP, I’d contact your SW and talk it through before the DBS comes back - it’s much better coming from you than appearing in a standard check.

Thanks for replies, Son is not a habitual smoker of cannabis and has never brought anything into the home. i think the fact he has lost his licence is punishment enough for him to never do it again. I will raise it at the next assessment with the social worker