When pursuing adoption in Indiana, one of the most important steps for hopeful adoptive parents is completing background checks. This process is not meant to be intimidating, but rather to ensure that children are placed in safe, stable, and loving homes. At Tapestry Adoption, we walk alongside families during every step of the adoption journey—including helping you understand and prepare for background checks.

Why School or Workplace Background Checks Don’t Count

You may already have gone through a background check for your job, school, or volunteer work, but those checks do not count for adoption. Even if you’ve been cleared for sensitive roles like teaching or healthcare, Indiana law requires background checks to be conducted specifically for adoption purposes. As a licensed child‑placing agency, Tapestry Adoption must process your background checks through our secure, state‑approved portal. Only checks completed in this way meet Indiana adoption requirements—ensuring compliance, accuracy, and privacy.

Why Background Checks Are Required

The safety of children is the highest priority in every adoption. Background checks allow adoption agencies and the state to verify that adoptive parents have no history that could endanger a child. Indiana law requires thorough screening to protect children from potential abuse, neglect, or unsafe living environments.

Types of Background Checks in Indiana Adoption

Adoptive parents in Indiana are typically required to complete several types of background checks, including:

1. State Criminal History Check – A review of any criminal records within Indiana.

2. FBI Fingerprint-Based Check – A nationwide criminal record search through fingerprinting.

3. Child Protective Services (CPS) Check – A search of the state’s child abuse and neglect registry.

4. Sex Offender Registry Check – A review to ensure applicants are not listed on the sex offender registry.

If you have lived in multiple states in the past five years, additional checks may be required.

What If Something Appears on Your Record?

Having something on your record does not automatically disqualify you from adoption. Minor offenses (e.g., routine traffic violations) usually don’t affect eligibility. However, convictions involving violence, child abuse, or certain drug offenses may impact your ability to adopt. Each case is evaluated individually, and transparency is essential.

How Tapestry Adoption Supports You

At Tapestry Adoption, we understand that background checks can feel overwhelming. Our team will:

– Process your checks through the secure state-approved system.
– Guide you through fingerprinting and paperwork.
– Clarify which checks are required for your situation.
– Address any past record concerns with empathy.
– Provide encouragement and support at every step.

Top Adoption Attorneys Across Indiana

If you’re considering hiring an adoption attorney to assist with legal aspects like consent, home studies, interstate requirements, or contested placements, here are five reputable adoption attorneys across different regions of Indiana.

Helpful Links for Readers & SEO

– Tapestry Adoption
– Indiana Home Study
– Berry & Domer
– Keith M. Wallace
– Peter A. Kenny
– Hanley Adoption Law Group
– Zentz Law, LLC

Final Thoughts

Background checks may feel like just another step, but they’re essential to ensuring children grow up in safe, loving families. At Tapestry Adoption, we’re dedicated to making the process as smooth and transparent as possible. And whether you’re pursuing adoption through an agency or need legal counsel, the attorneys listed above provide trusted options across Indiana.

Ready to move forward or have questions? Contact us anytime:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 317‑529‑7322