I have a felony conviction that automatically bans me from adopting a child. can record clearing remedies help me adopt?

Maybe. If you successfully obtain a felony reduction under Penal Code section 17(b), your conviction must be treated as a misdemeanor for all purposes — including adoption.[2495] This means you can no longer be automatically banned on the basis of your felony conviction alone. Depending on the nature and circumstances of your crime, a family court, dependency court, and/or an adoption agency may still consider your reduced conviction as one factor among many indicating your fitness to adopt. (See previous question.) However, keep in mind that the act of seeking a felony reduction is evidence of your initiative and a desire to move forward with your life. Emphasize this and other factors showing proof of rehabilitation in your application.

  1. 2495

    See Gebremicael v. California Com. on Teacher Credentialing (2004) 118 Cal. App. 4th 1477. ↑