Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children
In Colorado, private interstate adoptions are processed by Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM). If a child is born in one state, commonly known as the “sending state” and the adoptive family lives in another state, called the “receiving state”, the adoption placement must be approved by the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC). All states are members of the ICPC. For the purposes of an adoption, it is illegal to move a child across state lines without meeting the requirements of the ICPC.
The documentation submitted to the ICPC for approval includes the adoptive parent’s home study, the child’s birth information and other health information, biological information on the birth parents, and relinquishment or termination documentation from the birth parents. Documentation for the child and the adopting parents will be forwarded to the ICPC office in the sending state, which will forward the documents to the ICPC office in the receiving state. The ICPC offices review the documentations to verify that their state laws have been complied with.
Once approval has been made, the child can be placed with the adopting family from the receiving state.
What is the purpose of ICPC?
The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a statutory agreement between all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. The agreement governs the placement of children from one state into another state. It sets forth the requirements that must be met before a child can be placed out of state. The Compact ensures prospective placements are safe and suitable before approval, and it ensures that the individual or entity placing the child remains legally and financially responsible for the child following placement.
Does the adoptive family or birth family in Colorado have to work with an agency?
Yes. Colorado is an agency state. Any party involved in an adoption in Colorado must work with a licensed Colorado agency.
How long does the process take?
This depends on a number of factors. However, a typical wait time is less than a week after paperwork is submitted to ICPC. Wait times can be longer when there is missing documentation or the placement is out of compliance with Colorado law.
Does Colorado accept electronic/fax/email ICPC packets?
No. At this time Colorado only accepts hard copies.
What is the fee and how do I pay it?
The ICPC fee is $250. A check can be mailed to LFSRM or the payment can be made by credit card by calling 303.922.3433
My ICPC is not private or international, who do I contact?
Colorado is a decentralized state. You will need to contact the county where the child/family is located. See the following link for lists of Colorado counties. http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770
For questions or more information, please contact:
Danna Gladen, ICPC Coordinator
303.446.7783
Danna.Gladen@lfsrm.org