The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a uniform law enacted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It must be complied with whenever a child is placed for adoption across state lines, except for adoptive placements with a close relative. It is necessary for the sending state and the receiving state to be notified about the pending adoption in advance of the child's travel, and interstate post-placement status reports must be made until the adoption is finalized.

ACF works with individuals, adoption attorneys, and other adoption agencies to provide the legal and social services required by Florida law in conjunction with the Interstate Compact. This may include the following if needed:

• Counseling
• Medical and Social history
• Adoption Consents
• Court Approval of Adoption Expenses
• Termination of parental rights
• Newborn Medicaid coverage
• Submission of ICPC documents to sending and receiving states
• Post Placement Reports
• Finalizing the Adoption

It is very important for adoptive parents to understand that the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) cannot begin until the adoptive child is born, the adoption consents have been signed, and the medical information about the child has been released. Unless foster care arrangements are made in advance, at least one adoptive parent should be prepared to remain in the sending state for at least two weeks in case that becomes necessary. The Interstate Compact is very specific about these issues.