The Interstates Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a law which governs adoptions in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The ICPC contains 10 articles establishing procedures for interstate placement of children, and assigning responsibilities for all parties involved in the adoption process. The ICPC comes into force when a baby is born in one state (sending state) and is being adopted by Adopted Parents who live in a different state (receiving state). In this situation, Adoptive Parents travel to the state where the baby is born. In order to be allowed to leave the state of birth, with the baby, ICPC paperwork must be sent by UPS or Federal Express to the ICPC office in the receiving state.
The paperwork typically required by ICPC are the babys medical records and discharge paperwork from the hospital, and copies of Consents. ICPCs typical processing time is a week to ten days, but can take longer. We typically suggest, Adoptive Parents should plan on a two week stay in the sending state while ICPC paperwork is processed. One Adoptive Parent can stay if both are not available. The wait can seem long, but it is a good opportunity to spend quality time with the baby. If Adoptive Parents cannot stay for two weeks we can arrange for interim care, but we prefer not to do this as this is an important opportunity to bond with your newborn. Adoptive Parents are allowed (in Florida) to stay with the baby until ICPC permission is granted to take the baby to the receiving state. The Adoptive Parents and baby, MUST remain in the sending state until they have ICPC approval to leave with the baby. Failure to wait for permission can put the adoption in jeopardy.
The ICPC safeguards all parties involved in the adoption, but it especially protects the child. The receiving state can deny the adoption if all its conditions are not met. The receiving states will ensure Post Placement Supervision takes place for the protection of the child. The Adoption Agency in the sending state retains legal jurisdiction until the adoption is Finalized.
Please know, we have no control over the individual processing time of ICPC paperwork, and each ICPC office is slightly different. We will keep you informed of any updates we receive, and will be waiting as eagerly as our Adoptive Parents for approval.
The ICPC does not apply to children who adopted by family members or other relatives.