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Adopting Children from Other States or Jurisdictions
Adopting children from other States requires the involvement of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), a legally binding agreement between States regulating the placement of children across State lines. All 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have adopted the ICPC as statutory law in their respective jurisdictions. Another interstate compact law, the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA), ensures continuity of adoption assistance payments for children placed across State lines. ICPC and ICAMA forms must be completed by professionals. These interstate compact laws do not apply to Indian children who are members of Indian Tribes, but the Indian Child Welfare Act is applicable to those children.
Guide to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (PDF - 355 KB)
American Public Human Services Association (2002)
Explains the key provisions of the law, including compact administration, recognition of placements under the compact, procedures for processing referrals, implementation of placements, responsibilities of sending agencies, and penalties for illegal placements.
National Military Family Association
Provides adoption information for military families. Because of frequent or sudden moves, these families may be adopting children across jurisdictions. Information can be located by typing "adoption" in the search box on this site.
State by State Resources to Facilitate the Interjurisdictional Placement Process
AdoptUsKids
Provides a chart detailing State-specific resources and requirements related to interjurisdictional placements for many States.
State Statutes Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Provides summaries of State statutes for prospective parents considering the adoption of a child from another State, including issues related to child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption.
Wherever My Family Is : That's Home! : Adoption Services for Military Families (PDF - 1596 KB)
AdoptUsKids (2006)
Provides a roadmap for adoption agencies and military personnel to ensure that high-quality and timely adoption services are readily available to military families. Part 3 provides information regarding interjurisdictional placements and collaboration with other organizations.