Quick answer
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) applies whenever a child is moved across state lines for the purpose of adoption, with a few exceptions such as some relative adoptions. South Carolina requires a court order approving placement before adoptive parents can leave the state with the child.
What is ICPC and when does it apply?
ICPC applies when the prospective adoptive parents and the birth mother live in different states and it is a non-relative adoption. Building Families represents both out-of-state families working with expectant mothers in South Carolina, and South Carolina families working with expectant mothers in other states, helping each comply with ICPC and finalize the adoption.
What does Building Families do as part of the ICPC process?
As part of ICPC in South Carolina, Building Families:
- Obtains the court order that approves placement and allows the family to leave the state with the child.
- Compiles and submits the documents required for ICPC approval.
How long does ICPC approval take?
The child must remain in the state where they were born while the adoptive family awaits ICPC approval. Adoptive parents can generally expect to stay in that state for an average of about one to two weeks before receiving approval and returning home, though your exact timeline depends on the two states involved.
Where can I find state-specific ICPC information?
State-by-state ICPC contacts are listed at icpcstatepages.org. This article is an overview of the ICPC process Building Families already covers in more depth on its adoption page.
Talk with us about an interstate adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ICPC stand for?
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, an agreement among U.S. states governing how a child is placed for adoption across state lines.
Do relative adoptions require ICPC?
Usually not. Most relative adoptions are exempt from ICPC.
How long will we need to stay in the birth state?
Families should plan for roughly one to two weeks on average, though the timeline depends on the specific states involved and can run longer.
Who handles the ICPC paperwork?
Building Families obtains the required South Carolina court order and compiles and submits the ICPC documentation on the family's behalf.
The information contained here is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.