VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

ICPC is statutory uniform law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is intended to ensure the protection of children who are placed across state lines for foster care and adoption. It strives to ensure responsibility and communication among all parties involved until lawful termination. Procedures for the interstate and intercountry placement of children are intended to ensure that the proposed placement is in compliance with state laws and regulations and is not contrary to the interests of the child.

The Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services, through the Division of Family Services, is responsible for approving and monitoring interstate placements of children.

ICPC applies to four types of situations in which children may be sent to other states:

1. Placement preliminary to an adoption
2. Placement into foster care, including foster homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, and child-caring institutions
3. Placement with parents and/or specified relatives when a parent or specified relative is not making the placement
4. Placement of adjudicated delinquents into private institutions in other states

Applicable Code of Virginia References

• §63.2-1000. Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; form of compact
• §63.2-1105. Children placed out of Commonwealth

Applicable Regulations

• Regulation 01 - Conversion of Intrastate to Interstate Placement; Relocation of Family Units (PDF)
• Regulation 02 - Public Court Jurisdiction Cases - Amended (PDF)
• Regulation 03 - Definitions and Placement categories - Amended (PDF)
• Regulation 04 - Residential Placements (PDF)
• Regulation 07 - Expedited Placement Decision - Amended (PDF)
• Regulation 11 - Responsibility of States to Surpervise Children (PDF)
• Regulation 12 - Private/Independent Adoptions (PDF)

Guidance & Procedures