Adopting Across State Lines
As in all sectors, the increased use of the internet has had a major impact on adoption. Namely, with information more readily available, the process of matching prospective parents with children has become more efficient and, as a result, the practice of adopting across state lines has become increasingly common. Nevertheless, these adoptions are subject to a bevy of regulations that can stymie family arrangements.
The law office of Raymond W. Godwin can help. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Ray has helped facilitate more than 2,500 successful adoptions. Located in Greenville and serving throughout South Carolina, he understands how the process works and helps guide his clients around the most common legal and procedural missteps. Indeed, the mission of his practice is to help build families through adoption — and to do so in as quick and effective a manner as possible.
What Regulations Need To Be Addressed?
Interstate adoption is governed by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), which sets out rules for all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Essentially, the ICPC monitors children going across state lines and ensures that the state where the child resides and the state where the prospective parents reside are aware of the adoption placement. The ICPC offices of the sending state and the receiving state review the adoptive couple’s home study, the birth parent’s surrenders of parental rights, the baby’s or child’s medicals and other documents to ensure adoption laws are complied with.
Children with special needs, who qualify for state- or federally funded adoption assistance, are subject to the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA). This is a measure intended to ensure that children receive the medical attention they require. Every state has a designated ICAMA representative who is tasked with overseeing such adoptions. If you adopt a child with autism, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or other special needs, you will need to understand ICAMA.
Assembling the documentation that demonstrates all ICPC and ICAMA criteria are met can be a lengthy process. Our firm offers experienced guidance to our clients, helping them make their arrangements in a timely manner. We understand how important building your family is, and know how to avoid unnecessary delays.
We Offer Experienced And Effective Guidance
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a lawyer, reach out to our South Carolina office. You can call us at 864-241-2883 or contact us online. You can also get the process started by filling out our adoption intake form.
