I have a not guilty against my name, i'm due to go to panel for adoption next week and haven't told my social?

HappyMomAnna

"Not Guilty" is a good thing however, were you asked if you have ever been arrested or taken to court?

It's generally advised to be the one who informs the social worker of Any and All possible issues related to your history and family.

If you were At Any Time asked if you have ever been arrested, charged or taken to court and didn't disclose this issue then YES you could have a problem either with the Panel or after a child is placed and prior to the finalization if it is discovered.

I seem to recall our home study and adoption application was clear about asking If we had been Charged, Arrested or been taken to court...and if so what was the outcome...

If you were not asked this specifically on any of your paperwork, or during the home study interviews, or when you completed your criminal history and background paperwork--I suppose it could be viewed as a possible oversight?

If you were asked if you have been arrested, charged or taken to court and marked NO... then it would have been appropriate to bring up the case you were found Not Guilty of?

To keep it simple--Yes, you can have problems if you didn't disclose as it will appear deceptive. In most cases I know of being Not Guilty means there was a legal action... It may be some private party lawsuit or civil court issue--but, generally if it was any kind of Criminal Court then YOU should have told the social worker right away.

It also depends on exactly what you were found Not Guilty of?

sizesmith

Take proof of the not-guilty charges, because your FBI checks will show the charges. Also, explain in simple detail why you were falsly charged. Good luck, some social workers won't work with you, and some will.

Wundt

If you are asked by the social worker "have you been arrested", "have you been part of a legal case", or something similar then you need to tell the truth. But, if not, then I don't feel you are under any legal obligation to tell them. "Not Guilty" means that, you were not guilty.

However, to be sure, you should discuss this with your attorney (you should always have your own attorney when adopting). They will be able to advise you on if you should, or must, inform the social worker about the incident. This approach has the advantage of being covered by attorney/client priveledge, whereas anything told to the social worker will have to go into the record.

glen w

talk to him/her because it will be on record that you have been to court and if ur found out to lie then they might have further doubts..

good luck and hope alll goes your way..

(remember if uu was found not guilty thne u have nothing to worry about..but do tell.

Randy B

I wouldn't worry about it. Lots of people get charged and are not guilty. I believe the wording on the forms in most cases is "have you ever been convicted of an offense for which a pardon has not been granted" or similar wording depending upon the area. Either way, its nothing. Mention it to them ahead of time if you want to put your mind at ease but it shouldn't even show up on your police check.

Amanda

Don't worry about it. It says not guilty then it should be fine. I am a correctional officer and they questioned me about my husbands not guilties and it came up to nothing because that's what it is nothing.

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