If you are working with a national adoption agency, or one not in your home state, ICPC may be a term you’ve heard mentioned. Keep reading to learn what ICPC is, and how it may affect you when placement time comes.
What does ICPC stand for?
“ICPC” stands for the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. It is a legal agreement among U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that regulates the placement of children with adoptive families across state lines in foster care, kinship care, and domestic adoptions.
What exactly is ICPC?
The ICPC ensures that when a child is placed with an adoptive family in another state, certain safeguards and standards are met to protect the child’s welfare. This includes ensuring that the receiving state has approved the placement and that appropriate services are in place to support the child and the his or her new family.
ICPC applies to all adoptive families who reside in a different state than where the child was born.
We are taking placement in another state. What will the ICPC process look like?
Adoption Advocates primarily only works with birth mothers who deliver in Texas, so this information is specific to adopting a child born in our state. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services will request approval from your state of residency (where the child will be placed). The receiving state then evaluates the placement to ensure it complies with its laws and regulations regarding child welfare.
ICPC regulations vary by state but generally involve paperwork, background checks, and evaluations to ensure the suitability of the placement. Once the receiving state approves the placement, the child can be moved across state lines legally.
How long does the process take?
Times may vary, but for most of our families, the process takes about 5 to 7 business days but it could take longer.
Do we have to stay in Texas until we receive ICPC approval?
Both parents do not have to stay in Texas until the process is complete. However, the child cannot be moved across state lines until ICPC approval has been received. At least one parent will need to stay in Texas with the baby.
What potential issues might occur with ICPC?
Factors that can impact how long it takes include how many adoptions they are processing and obtaining documents from third parties such as records from the hospital. Some states require authorizing the agency which could also add to the time.
Like all processes, ICPC can take time. It is likely that your agency will let you know to not call the ICPC office to try and get your application ahead of other families. That is because these offices are likely understaffed and that will just take up time and they usually have policies to process each application as they come in. All families want to go home. We recommend visiting with your birth parents during your stay if you have an open adoption.
