What is ICPC?

First off, this is for Domestic adoptions only and not International. The Definition is Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is an agreement by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to provide a process to move children across state lines for the purpose of adoption, foster care or residential care, while protecting their safety and well-being. Every state has signed the ICPC and it is state law. The compact guarantees that each state's adoption laws and procedures are met and that the child's placement is properly managed and finalized. For more information about the ICPC, visit its website at http://icpc.aphsa.org

How does it work? Lets say that you live in GA and you are working with an agency who has matched you with a birth mom in NY. The agency calls you and you get on a plane and travel to NY for the birth. You are dismissed from the hospital in two days, ready to go back to GA with your new baby. Not so fast. Your agency will file paperwork to get the ball started for NY to shake hands with GA and say that its all right to bring the baby across state lines. Now what that means is that you have to wait until ICPC is signed before you can leave NY. Lets say that the baby is born in Manhatten. You don't have to stay in Manhatten, you can go to Buffalo, Albany, anywhere in the state, you just cant cross the state lines.

How long does it take? 7-10 days is the average. That depends on the adoption laws from that state. Your agency can help you with these rules. Good luck