Adam and his wife had recently applied to be adoptive parents. In the last eighties, he had been convicted of using threatening language and fined £75.
Until 2009 old and minor convictions such as this could be ‘stepped-down’ by the police and so were not disclosed on an enhanced checks. As a result, Adam didn’t disclose his conviction because he understood it wouldn’t be necessary.
However, at the point that Adam applied, this process of step-down had been removed, meaning that the enhanced check highlighted the conviction. His application was refused because he had not disclosed his criminal record.
Adam came to Unlock at the appeal stage. Unlock wrote him a supporting letter, explaining how the change in the law made it understandable that he didn’t disclose the information in his application, and alleviating concerns about his integrity. As a result, Adam’s appeal was successful, and he is able to continue in the adoption process and provide a stable and loving home for a child without parents.
Notes about this case study
This case study relates to Unlock’s advocacy.
Names and details have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
