Are background checks required for an adoption?

In Indiana, background checks are required throughout the adoption process before a child is placed in the home of the adoptive parents. This includes any individual over the age of 18 living in the home. The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) will require proof that the background checks have been completed. Background checks ensure that the applicant and anyone else living in the adoptive home has not had any reports of past child abuse or neglect. Other criminal background checks will be conducted to ensure that the individuals living in the home have not been convicted of a crime related to children’s welfare or of any other felony offense. In addition to criminal background checks, all members of the adoptive household are required to provide fingerprints, which will be used to complete an Indiana Child Protective Services (CPS) check. This check will be used to confirm that no other state has any pending investigations or open cases related to the family and that no member of the household has any pending cases involving child abuse or neglect. The DCS also requires that all members of the adoptive household complete an additional name-based criminal history check. This check will allow the DCS to check backgrounds in all 50 states to ensure that none of the household members has a criminal history in addition to any criminal history reported in Indiana. Overall, the background check process is necessary to ensure the safety of the adopted child and to make sure that the adoptive home is a safe environment for the child. The background check helps Indiana foster care agencies, adoption agencies, and the Indiana court system make informed decisions when placing a child in an adoptive home.

Related FAQs

What are the requirements for adopting a child?
What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?
What are the benefits of adopting an older child?
What is the difference between a domestic and an international adoption?
What is the Adoption and Safe Families Act?
How do I choose an adoption agency?
What is a foreign adoption?
How do I start the adoption process?
What are the costs involved in international adoption?
Are there financial benefits for the family adopting a child?

Are background checks required for an adoption?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts