Interstate Compact Information for Adoptive Families

When the child identified for adoption is born in or lives in another state (sending state), different from the adoptive family (receiving state), the Interstate Compact Process (ICPC) applies. This is a federal law.

Before a child can be brought across state lines for the purpose of adoption, approval is required by both states: the one where the child is born or resides and the one where the adoptive family resides. The process of getting this approval is facilitated by a licensed adoption agency or attorney, engaged by the family, to submit all the necessary paperwork for review by each state.

For a newborn, most of the paperwork is collected before the birth and submitted after the birth according to each state’s law and process. Some signatures and medical records for the baby have to be obtained after the birth. This means that the adoptive family may have physical custody of the child and have to remain in the home state of the child until these approvals are completed. Adoptive families of newborns should plan to be in the home state of the child for an average 5-14 days, if all of the paperwork is in order. State ICPC offices are sensitive to the need to expedite these requests. Taking the child across state lines without the prior approval of the Interstate Compact process can result in unnecessary complications in your adoption process and possible legal consequences.

Most states supply the list of ICPC requirements on-line or by contacting their ICPC state office.

For families, agencies and attorneys, Children of the World offers a unique service to help you expedite your domestic adoption. When you are in the process of adopting a child that is not born in your state of residence, the law requires that you comply with the ICPC process. This is a legal process between the “sending” state (state of the child’s birth) and the “receiving” state (state of the adoptive parents residence), and can often be a difficult road to navigate.

Our years of experience have afforded us the opportunity to work closely with many of the 50 states across the nation. We are familiar with the various requirements and issues of the entire adoption process. This experience allows us the ability to navigate through the adoption process with a minimum amount of delays and/or interruptions. Our service can better help you eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent in the “sending” state which in turn will reduce your overall cost.

Contact our office to determine if Children of the World can be of benefit to you.