When it comes to adoption, it’s the state that has the final say. So, it’s vital to understand how each state deals with everything from the use of facilitators to appropriate expenses.
Adopting Across State Lines
In cases where prospective adoptive parents are in one state and an adoptable child or expectant woman making an adoption plan is in another, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) comes into play.
The ICPC is identical statutory law in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every state has an ICPC office that coordinates and expedites adoptions involving more than one state. In any adoption, offices will work together in the following way:
The ICPC office in the sending state—the home state of the waiting child or expectant woman is in charge of details about the child.
The ICPC office in the receiving state—the home state of the hopeful adoptive parents—is responsible for ensuring the hopeful adoptive family is ready to adopt. It sees to it that local agencies do their job regarding home studies and other regulations.
If the states are side by side, there may be an agreement allowing social workers from one state to do home studies in the other, but the ICPC must still be complied with.
Home studies and other aspects of the adoption process may be more complicated since two sets of laws, rules, regulations, and policies must be followed and coordinated.
Your adoption attorney or adoption agency should understand how these regulations work together. Consult with an adoption professional.
Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Do you want more choices with your adoption plan? Do you want to regain more control in your life? Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98. We can help you put together an adoption plan that best meets your needs.
Do you feel there is a hole in your heart that can only be filled by a child? We’ve helped complete 32,000+ adoptions. We would love to help you through your adoption journey. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98.
