Interstate Adoption and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

Adopting a child can be a complex process, but when the adoptive parents and the child reside in different states, a layer of complexity is added. These adoptions are known as interstate adoptions and are controlled by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) federal statute.

Understanding the ICPC

The ICPC was established to ensure the protection and well-being of children who are placed in foster homes, adoptive homes and other childcare facilities across state lines. This law has been enacted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the United States Virgin Islands with a primary objective of establishing uniform procedures for handling interstate adoptions.

ICPC’s Impact on Illinois Cases

To participate in interstate adoption, Illinois residents must meet the ICPC requirements including the completion of necessary paperwork that must be approved by the ICPC Compact Administrator of both the state placing and the state receiving the child. The ICPC requires both state’s approvals before the child being adopted can leave their home state.

Adhering to the ICPC guidelines is crucial as placing a child in the adoptive parents’ state prior to obtaining approval by both states may lead to penalties.

The attorneys at Kogut & Wilson are skilled in the complexities of adoption law and are ready to answer any questions surrounding interstate adoptions.