Gun ownership and adoption

[Anonymous]

I know that home inspections are part of any adoption process. Does anyone know if owning a gun counts against you? Of course the unloaded gun is locked away. For context, I compete in shooting competitions - I don't use the weapon for home security just competitions.

[Anonymous]

I don't recall being asked this question. Even if you are asked, I'm sure it's fine, so long as you have taken real measures to keep it secured. I'm sure people who hunt are allowed to adopt.

[Anonymous]

Of course it’s allowed. Guns aren’t illegal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course it’s allowed. Guns aren’t illegal.

I think it's allowed, too (if safely secured) but legality isn't the question. We had to change the types of locks on the front door even though the ones we had weren't illegal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of course it’s allowed. Guns aren’t illegal.

I think it's allowed, too (if safely secured) but legality isn't the question. We had to change the types of locks on the front door even though the ones we had weren't illegal.

And after you changed the locks, did it disclude you? $50 for safety?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of course it’s allowed. Guns aren’t illegal.

I think it's allowed, too (if safely secured) but legality isn't the question. We had to change the types of locks on the front door even though the ones we had weren't illegal.

And after you changed the locks, did it disclude you? $50 for safety?

I don't understand your point. My point is that you may have to change something that is legal if the agency conducting the home study thinks it's unsafe. So, I think a gun would be allowed (and probably not even asked about) but it would have to be stored safely. The fact that is is legal is not the dispositive factor.

[Anonymous]

I adopted three times. I was asked every time about gun ownership. It only counts against you if the social worker doesn't believe it's adequately secured.

[Anonymous]

So what if you adopt and then buy guns? Do they take the kids away?

[Anonymous]

Are you a member of a gun range where you could store it?

[Anonymous]

Guns need to be stored in a locked cabinet/safe. Ammunition needs to be stored and locked separately from the firearm.

- Social worker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what if you adopt and then buy guns? Do they take the kids away?

If your guns are stored in a dangerous way that children could access, that could constitute neglect that would warrant involvement by CPS. Probably not termination of parental rights, but involvement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what if you adopt and then buy guns? Do they take the kids away?

If your guns are stored in a dangerous way that children could access, that could constitute neglect that would warrant involvement by CPS. Probably not termination of parental rights, but involvement.

Once you adopt you have the same rights as any other parent. Anything that would warrant involvement by CPS for bio parents would be the same for adoptive parents.

[Anonymous]

Op here - thank you for all the feedback. I do keep it locked up (with the option of a barrel lock). I'm not a memeber of a club yet but that's something i could try once i gain membership.

I'm willing to give up this hobby if it would impair an adoption but as others have noted its completely legal - so i just wasn't sure.

[Anonymous]

It will be in your home study but shouldn't keep you from being licensed if you are good about securing it.

Are you planning to adopt through foster care, international, or private domestic?

For the first two, some social workers might be turned off by seeing it in your home study (I imagine this would be a greater challenge if you're adopting from a country where gun ownership is much rarer and restricted than in the US). For private adoption, it could be a pro or a con depending on what the parents believe.

[Anonymous]

We just completed a home study. We don't have guns in the home but we asked the social worker what would happen if we had. She said as long as everything was licensed, legal and the guns were stored correctly it wouldn't be an issue.
They will check this as part of the home inspection.