Families may sometimes adopt a child from outside North Carolina. An interstate adoption may be more complex, and adoptive parents should understand how this process works.
There may be additional guidelines during an interstate adoption. According to the Administration for Children and Families, people have to follow the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. This agreement sets certain terms for interstate adoptions. Families have to work with adoption officials in both North Carolina and the other state. Additionally, people have to follow the rules of the state where the child currently resides. The ICPC helps ensure that the adoption meets all of the state’s requirements.
What does the interstate adoption process look like?
There are several steps people have to take to complete an interstate adoption. According to the Adoption Exchange Association, the sending state begins the adoption process. The adoption agency responsible for the child compiles information about the child and his or her needs. The ICPC administrators in both states look over this file before sending it to the adoptive family and their adoption agency.
After this, people usually do a home study. Officials in both states read the results and approve the adoption. The North Carolina adoption agency assumes responsibility for the child once he or she begins living with the adoptive family.
Does an interstate adoption take longer?
The length of the adoption process depends on how quickly people complete each step. Families usually have 60 days to do a home study. Once the adoption receives approval, officials have six months to place the child with the family. The process may go faster if people are prompt with their home study. Additionally, the use of electronic records may speed up the process.
An interstate adoption may seem complicated but it may be the right option for many families.
