Does the state consider other criminal history records beyond the federal list of convictions barring people from becoming foster and/or adoptive parents?
Yes. Applicants for foster care and adoption are barred by convictions or pleas of guilty or nolo contendere to other violent, sexual, and drug-related offenses and offenses based upon kidnapping and false imprisonment, certain weapons- and theft-related offenses, and offenses involving law enforcement and escape. Fla. Stat. Ann. 397.451 and 435.04. 2. Does the state restrict people from becoming foster and/or adoptive parents for longer than required by federal law? Yes, the statute is silent on the length of the bars for both foster care and adoption so they operate as lifetime bars. Fla. Stat. Ann. 435.04. Exemptions from disqualification may be granted for misdemeanors or felonies committed more than 3 years prior to disqualification. Fla. Stat. Ann. 435.07. 3. May applicants be barred by the convictions of other household members? Yes. Background checks are required for all adult members of the foster family and people residing with the foster family. Additionally, delinquency rec
