What is the purpose of ICPC in child welfare?

The purpose of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is specifically to establish interstate placement procedures. This agreement is a crucial framework that allows for the legal and effective movement of children across state lines for foster care or adoption placements. It ensures that when a child is placed in a different state, the child welfare authorities in both the sending and receiving states are coordinated and cooperative, which helps to safeguard the child's well-being throughout the process.

The ICPC aims to protect the welfare of children by ensuring that placement is made in a manner that complies with the laws and regulations of both states, thus providing a standardized procedure that can facilitate better outcomes for children in need of care. Without this compact, it would be challenging for states to oversee and ensure the safety and appropriateness of placements outside their jurisdiction.

By focusing on interstate placements, ICPC plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration among states, which can lead to smoother transitions and supports for children who move across state lines for care.