And what does it mean in the context of your adoption?
If you are waiting to adopt and considering matches or placements outside of your state of residence, then you have likely heard the acronym “ICPC”. What is ICPC? ICPC stands for the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or “Compact.” The Compact establishes rules for the movement of children being adopted across state lines. So, a child being placed in Florida and moving to PA with their adoptive family will need permission from both FL to leave and PA to arrive. ICPC is involved in every (non-kinship) domestic adoption where a child is born in one state and will be placed with a family living in a different state. ICPC is intended to prevent the trafficking of children.
Helpful Terminology:
Sending state= state in which the child is born. In our example below, Florida.
Receiving state= state in which the child is going to live (residence of parent(s) pursuing adoption.) In our example below, Pennsylvania.
The process of ICPC starts once a child is discharged from the hospital.
PROCESS:
1.The baby is born.
2.After the state-mandated period of time passes (this varies among states), the baby’s biological mother signs the consent to the adoption.
3. Depending on medical need, the baby may stay in the NICU for care and observation until they are ready to be discharged from the hospital. The ICPC process cannot begin until the baby is discharged from the hospital.
4. The baby is discharged from the hospital. At this point, the baby is typically placed in the care of the parents who are intending to adopt the child.
5. The attorney or agency takes the biological mother’s consent to adoption and the baby’s discharge paperwork from the hospital, along with a file of other documents**, and sends it first to the state where the baby was born. For our example, we’ll use a baby born in FL and moving to PA. FL is told about the placement and asked for permission to let the child leave FL. They give approval.
6. The case is sent to the receiving state, in our example PA, so that the receiving state can also review and approve the child’s relocation. PA approves and gives the family permission to travel.
7. Once permission is given to the family to travel, they are free to leave the state and return home.
**What is included? Different states have different requirements for the packet, but it generally includes things like your home study, clearances, medicals, as well as consents, statements on the birth father, the baby’s hospital discharge paperwork and much more.
How long does ICPC take?
This process cannot be done before birth or before consents are signed. So once the baby is discharged AND consents are signed, that paperwork gets submitted, which starts the ICPC process timeline. Generally, we say to plan to be out of state –AFTER the baby is placed in your care– for 2 weeks.
We have seen placements approved on the same day they are submitted, and we have seen them take 3 weeks. Sometimes there are unpredictable or uncontrollable delays, like holidays, staff vacations, clerical errors, or technological errors.
Do I have to do ICPC?
Yes, it is a requirement by law. But YOU do not do anything, and you are not to have contact with ICPC. Your agency or attorney completes this process.
What do I do during this time?
During this time, you will be caring for a newborn. Your team will update you whenever they receive information about the status of the request for approval from ICPC.
Generally, you need to be available to sign paperwork or provide documentation/information at the request of the agency/attorney. Sometimes, given the particular states involved, there are additional pieces of paperwork requested by ICPC.
We recognize that the time away from home can be stressful, particularly if you have kids or pets at home, or if this was a last-minute placement. We recognize that a newborn in a hotel without the comforts of home can be intense. During this ICPC process, your team is doing their best and giving full attention to your file. We’ve done this long enough to know that outward displays of frustration, or frequently asking for updates, does not make anyone work faster. Trust that everyone is doing everything they can to ensure you are home as soon as possible.
Once you are approved, the administrator will tell the filer that you have permission to travel. Your agency will communicate to you that you can travel home.
Do NOT attempt to leave the state of placement without ICPC approval to travel. You can, however, travel through the state of placement – especially if it gets you closer to home! For example, if you are driving home from Florida, and you are 5 hours of driving from the Northern Florida border, you CAN start that trip home. Just know that you may not leave FL state lines. Doing so can jeopardize your placement, and your ICPC approval.
Making the most of your time waiting to clear ICPC:
- Embrace it. As hard as it is to relinquish control here, this is something that you have no control over.
- Enjoy the time alone with your new baby! Use the time to bond together, away from the chores and demands of home, pets, other children, and work. This time free from responsibilities other than your child will never come around again. This is precious. Soak it in.
- Take care of you. Pack things that bring you comfort: a tea or coffee you like, snacks, your own pillow or slippers, an Ipad loaded with movies, or exercise clothing.
- Have your phone charged and nearby. You could get the call that you are approved at the most unexpected time!
- Pack essential baby items. A travel bassinet, baby carrier, and/or stroller are all helpful in making this time comfortable for you and baby. You can get whatever else you may need when you are in state.
- Look at Airbnb or extended stay hotels. They can feel like a “home away from home” as you and baby get to know one another, since they tend to have more of the comforts of home. You may have a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy, and you also won’t have to worry about a baby crying and keeping up the adjacent room’s hotel guests!
In conclusion:
Being away from home can be stressful. The unknowns of “when” you’ll go home are hard to mentally tolerate. Mentally preparing for this time can help you manage the stressors with as much ease as possible.
ICPC can be a gift if you take advantage of the built-in time to bond. Ultimately, enjoy the time with your newborn!
