Adoption is one of the most meaningful ways to build a family. But when a child and their new parents live in different states, the process becomes more complicated. Every state has its own adoption laws, and when a child crosses a state border for adoption, special rules apply.

These rules fall under something called the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or ICPC. It’s a law that protects children by making sure every adoption that crosses state lines follows both states’ rules. The ICPC keeps children safe, but it can also cause delays for families who are ready to bring their child home.

Understanding what the ICPC is and why it can take time helps families stay prepared, patient, and confident throughout the process.

What Is the ICPC?

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children was created in the 1960s to make sure children were not sent across state lines without proper oversight. It applies to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The ICPC’s main goal is to protect children’s safety and best interests. It ensures that every adoption placement across state borders meets each state’s requirements for background checks, home studies, and paperwork.

Without the ICPC, there could be major risks. For example, a child could be placed in a home that hasn’t been properly approved, or one that doesn’t meet the standards of the receiving state. The ICPC prevents that from happening.

How the ICPC Works

The ICPC process begins once an adoptive family has been matched with a child from another state. Before the child can travel to their new home, both states must approve the placement.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. The sending state (where the child currently lives) gathers and submits all adoption documents to its ICPC office.
2. The sending state’s ICPC office reviews the paperwork to make sure everything is complete.
3. The documents are then sent to the receiving state’s ICPC office (where the adoptive family lives).
4. The receiving state reviews the family’s home study and checks that the placement meets all legal and safety standards.
5. Once both states approve the placement, the child can travel to the adoptive home.

Each step takes time, and that’s where delays often occur.

Why ICPC Delays Happen

Families are often surprised to learn that ICPC approval can take several weeks—or even longer. The average time is about two to six weeks, but some cases can extend beyond that depending on the states involved.

Delays usually happen for one or more of the following reasons:

• Incomplete paperwork – Even one missing signature or document can cause major slowdowns.
• Different state laws – States have different rules for background checks, consent forms, and adoption procedures.
• Limited staff – Some ICPC offices have small teams handling large volumes of cases.
• Holidays and weekends – Since approvals are handled by government agencies, timing often depends on office hours and availability.
• Additional requirements – The receiving state might request extra documentation, such as medical records or verification of financial stability.

These delays are frustrating, especially when families have already met their child and are waiting to bring them home. But the process is designed to ensure that every placement is legal and safe.

What Families Can Do to Avoid Delays

While some delays are out of your control, there are steps families can take to help the ICPC process move more smoothly:

1. Work with an experienced adoption attorney. A lawyer who understands ICPC can make sure your documents are complete and correct before submission.
2. Stay organized. Keep all paperwork—like birth certificates, background checks, and medical forms—ready and up to date.
3. Respond quickly. If your agency or attorney asks for additional information, provide it as soon as possible.
4. Prepare for the wait. Expect some delay and plan ahead for temporary housing or extended stays if you’re adopting from another state.
5. Communicate often. Regular updates with your adoption agency and attorney can prevent small issues from becoming major setbacks.

By preparing early, families can reduce stress and stay focused on what truly matters—their new child.

What Happens During the Wait

The waiting period can be an emotional time for adoptive parents. Many families must remain in the child’s home state until ICPC approval is complete. That means staying in hotels or temporary housing, often for several weeks.

This period can feel long and uncertain, especially after the excitement of meeting the child. Parents may worry about how long they’ll be away from home or when they can start settling into normal routines.

While waiting, it’s important to remember that every document reviewed and every step taken during this process is protecting your child’s future. Patience, though difficult, pays off in the end.

The Impact on Children

ICPC delays affect not only parents but also children. For children, especially newborns or infants, bonding time is essential. When placements are delayed, that bonding period can be disrupted.

For older children, longer waits may cause confusion or anxiety about their future. They may wonder why they can’t immediately go home with their adoptive parents.

Families can help ease this by spending as much time together as possible during the waiting period. Reading together, playing games, or even short daily visits (if permitted) can strengthen early attachments.

Emotional Toll on Families

Waiting in legal limbo can be emotionally draining. Many adoptive parents describe feeling “stuck” during ICPC delays. They’re caring for their new child but can’t fully move forward until they receive permission to travel home.

It’s natural to feel impatient or anxious, especially after months—or years—of preparing for adoption. Support networks can make a huge difference during this time.

Connecting with other adoptive families through local or online support groups can help parents cope with the waiting period. Talking with a counselor or therapist who understands adoption-related stress can also be valuable.

How Attorneys Help Families Navigate ICPC

Adoption attorneys play a key role in managing ICPC cases. They ensure that paperwork is correct, submitted on time, and compliant with both states’ laws.

An experienced attorney will:

• Review all documents before they’re sent to the ICPC offices.
• Communicate directly with both states to check on status updates.
• Handle any requests for additional information.
• Keep families informed about realistic timelines.

Having legal guidance prevents mistakes that could lead to even longer waits. Attorneys can also help families understand what to expect once they return home, such as post-placement visits and court finalization.

Financial Considerations

Because the ICPC process often requires families to stay out of state longer than expected, costs can add up. Extra nights in hotels, meals, and lost work time can quickly become expensive.

To plan ahead, families should:

• Set aside funds for travel and housing beyond the expected timeline.
• Ask their adoption agency or attorney for average wait times in the states involved.
• Keep receipts, as some expenses may qualify for the federal adoption tax credit.

Being financially prepared reduces stress and helps families focus on caring for their child.

ICPC in Foster Care and Relative Adoptions

ICPC rules also apply to foster and kinship placements across state lines. When a child is placed with a relative or foster family in another state, both states must still approve the move.

These cases can take even longer than private adoptions because they often involve child welfare agencies, social workers, and court oversight. Still, the purpose remains the same—to make sure children are placed in safe, stable homes.

Families taking in relatives from another state should expect extra paperwork and background checks, but the effort helps ensure a secure and permanent home.

The Future of ICPC Reform

In recent years, there have been efforts to modernize the ICPC system. Many states now use electronic systems to share documents, which helps speed up reviews.

Organizations like the Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) have recommended digital upgrades and better inter-state communication. These improvements aim to reduce waiting times for families while maintaining safety standards.

Although progress is slow, these reforms show a growing awareness of the emotional toll delays can have on families.

Life After ICPC Approval

Once both states approve the placement, families receive official clearance to travel home with their child. It’s an exciting moment—often the first time they can truly begin their new life together.

After returning home, the adoption process is not yet finished. Most states require post-placement visits with a social worker before the adoption is finalized in court. These visits ensure that the child is adjusting well and that the placement remains stable.

Finalization typically occurs a few months later, after all post-placement requirements are met.

The Importance of Legal Guidance

Adopting a child across state lines is rewarding but complicated. Each step—especially ICPC approval—must be handled carefully to avoid delays or legal issues.

That’s where experienced adoption attorneys come in. With over 25 years of experience, the Law Office of Cofsky & Zeidman, LLC has guided more than 1,500 families through the adoption process, including interstate placements. Their team ensures every document is properly prepared and submitted, giving families peace of mind during the waiting period.

If you’re planning to adopt a child from another state, professional legal guidance can make all the difference. The firm’s offices are located in Haddonfield, NJ (856-429-5005), Woodbury, NJ (856-845-2555), and Philadelphia, PA (215-563-2150). Their team is ready to help you navigate the process with care and confidence.