Adopting.org Discussion Forums

Does anyone know the laws in the State of Texas about adoption as it pertains to criminal record.

I have a misdemeanor offense in Ohio for Contributing to the Unruliness of a minor. The minor was my wife when she was 17 years old. She was not unruly but I was charged with that offense and plead no contest to the charge. That was 14 years ago, we have been married for almost 11 years and have an 8 year old son. We were seeking to adopt through our county agency and attended/completed the 10 week course. When we completed the applications for adoption, we were turned down because of my misdemeanor conviction. We are unable to adopt in Ohio but are looking to move to Texas for business reasons and was wondering if anyone had any info on the laws of Texas with regard to our situation?
Thanks in advance.

It really depends on what the "unruly" charge was about. (I'm not asking for details) If the charge had anything to do with sexual misconduct on a minor in any way, then most states will need to look very closely at that and often do deny. Since it's a misdemeanor and not a felony though, I would gather they'd have to look at your specific charge and situation and not the general charge. Still, it'll be up to them to decide that.

If you apply again to adopt, be sure to be completely open about this charge from the get go before going to classes and filling out more extensive ppwk. You could also call the children's services of Texas or look at their website online to find out more information on what they will consider or reject.

Thanks for the information. If you know the website or any contact info for Texas that would be great! The Ohio laws were tightened due to a very public case in Cincinatti, involving caged children...an outrage! There are several, I think 43 laws that automatically eliminate a person trying to adopt in Ohio...contributing is one of those laws...no acception, doesn't matter what the circumstances were according to the Department of Children Services. Did not know if Texas was the same or would at least look at the entire situation.