ICPC—Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children– is often the most feared part of the adoption process for adoptive parents who adopt outside their home states.
An adoption caseworker or attorney in the sending state initiates a placement request in the state where the child was born or currently lives. This is delivered to the receiving state. If the receiving state approves the placement request, then the child can move into the new state.
This process exists to ensure children are placed with safe, suitable caregivers who can meet the child’s needs.
ICPC can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In extenuating circumstances, this procedure can take over a month.
Recognize that not complying with proper procedures can result in harsh penalties, including having the child removed from the petitioners’ care and/or the loss of rights to try to adopt again.
For more information about ICPC check out this website.
Please, contact us at Heart to Heart if you have concerns or questions.