Can I adopt or foster if I have a criminal record?
Adopting or fostering if you have a criminal record
People who have a criminal conviction, or have been cautioned for specified criminal offences against children, or some sexual offences against adults, are not able to adopt or foster.
It is important to be honest about a criminal record, including offences or cautions that happened many years ago. If you are not honest from the beginning, this will be taken very seriously by the agency, and may affect their decision to assess or approve you.
Find out more about the assessment process for adoption and fostering.
Last updated: 19 December 07
