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Subchapter 001: INTERSTATE COMPACT ON THE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN[CONTINGENTLY ENACTED]
§ 5901. Purpose and policy—Article 1 [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
It is the purpose and policy of the party states to cooperate with each other in the
interstate placement of children to the end that:
(1) Each child requiring placement shall receive the maximum opportunity to be placed
in a suitable environment and with persons or institutions having appropriate qualifications
and facilities to provide a necessary and desirable degree and type of care.
(2) The appropriate authorities in a state where a child is to be placed may have full
opportunity to ascertain the circumstances of the proposed placement, thereby promoting
full compliance with applicable requirements for the protection of the child.
(3) The proper authorities of the state from which the placement is made may obtain the
most complete information on the basis on which to evaluate a projected placement
before it is made.
(4) Appropriate jurisdictional arrangements for the care of children will be promoted. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5901. Purpose and policy—Article 1 [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5901. Purpose [Contingently enacted]
The purpose of this Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children is to:
(1) provide a process through which children subject to this Compact are placed in safe
and suitable homes in a timely manner;
(2) facilitate ongoing supervision of a placement, the delivery of services, and communication
between the states;
(3) provide operating procedures that will ensure that children are placed in safe and
suitable homes in a timely manner;
(4) provide for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing
the provisions of this Compact and regulating the covered activities of the member
states;
(5) provide for uniform data collection and information sharing between member states
under this Compact;
(6) promote coordination between this Compact, the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, the
Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance, and other compacts affecting
the placement of and that provide services to children otherwise subject to this Compact;
(7) provide for a state’s continuing legal jurisdiction and responsibility for placement
and care of a child that it would have had if the placement were intrastate; and
(8) provide for the promulgation of guidelines, in collaboration with Indian tribes, for
interstate cases involving Indian children as is or may be permitted by federal law. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5902. Definitions [Contingently enacted]
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Approved placement” means the public child placing agency in the receiving state
has determined that the placement is both safe and suitable for the child.
(2) “Assessment” means an evaluation of a prospective placement by a public child placing
agency in the receiving state to determine if the placement meets the individualized
needs of the child, including but not limited to the child’s safety and stability,
health and well-being, and mental, emotional, and physical development. An assessment
is only applicable to a placement by a public child placing agency.
(3) “Child” means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age.
(4) “Certification” means to attest, declare, or swear to before a judge or notary public.
(5) “Default” means the failure of a member state to perform the obligations or responsibilities
imposed upon it by this Compact, the bylaws, or rules of the Interstate Commission.
(6) “Home Study” means an evaluation of a home environment conducted in accordance with
the applicable requirements of the state in which the home is located, and documents
the preparation and the suitability of the placement resource for placement of a child
in accordance with the laws and requirements of the state in which the home is located.
(7) “Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community
of Indians recognized as eligible for services provided to Indians by the Secretary
of the Interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaskan native village
as defined in section 3(c) of the Alaska Native Claims settlement Act at 43 U.S.C. § 1602(c).
(8) “Interstate Commission for the Placement of Children” means the commission that is
created under section 5908 of this title and that is generally referred to as the Interstate Commission.
(9) “Jurisdiction” means the power and authority of a court to hear and decide matters.
(10) “Legal Risk Placement” (Legal Risk Adoption) means a placement made preliminary to
an adoption where the prospective adoptive parents acknowledge in writing that a child
can be ordered returned to the sending state or the birth mother’s state of residence,
if different from the sending state, and a final decree of adoption shall not be entered
in any jurisdiction until all required consents are obtained or are dispensed with
in accordance with applicable law.
(11) “Member state” means a state that has enacted this Compact.
(12) “Noncustodial parent” means a person who, at the time of the commencement of court
proceedings in the sending state, does not have sole legal custody of the child or
has joint legal custody of a child, and who is not the subject of allegations or findings
of child abuse or neglect.
(13) “Nonmember state” means a state that has not enacted this Compact.
(14) “Notice of residential placement” means information regarding a placement into a residential
facility provided to the receiving state, including but not limited to the name, date
and place of birth of the child, the identity and address of the parent or legal guardian,
evidence of authority to make the placement, and the name and address of the facility
in which the child will be placed. Notice of residential placement shall also include
information regarding a discharge and any unauthorized absence from the facility.
(15) “Placement” means the act by a public or private child placing agency intended to
arrange for the care or custody of a child in another state.
(16) “Private child placing agency” means any private corporation, agency, foundation,
institution, or charitable organization or any private person or attorney that facilitates,
causes, or is involved in the placement of a child from one state to another and that
is not an instrumentality of the state or acting under color of state law.
(17) “Provisional placement” means a determination made by the public child placing agency
in the receiving state that the proposed placement is safe and suitable, and, to the
extent allowable, the receiving state has temporarily waived its standards or requirements
otherwise applicable to prospective foster or adoptive parents so as to not delay
the placement. Completion of the receiving state requirements regarding training for
prospective foster or adoptive parents shall not delay an otherwise safe and suitable
placement.
(18) “Public child placing agency” means any government child welfare agency or child protection
agency or a private entity under contract with such an agency, regardless of whether
they act on behalf of a state, county, municipality, or other governmental unit, that
facilitates, causes, or is involved in the placement of a child from one state to
another.
(19) “Receiving state” means the state to which a child is sent, brought, or caused to
be sent or brought.
(20) “Relative” means someone who is related to the child as a parent, step-parent, sibling
by half or whole blood or by adoption, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or first cousin or
a non-relative with such significant ties to the child that the person may be regarded
as a relative as determined by the court in the sending state.
(21) “Residential facility” means a facility providing a level of care that is sufficient
to substitute for parental responsibility or foster care and is beyond what is needed
for assessment or treatment of an acute condition. For purposes of the Compact, residential
facilities do not include institutions primarily educational in character, hospitals,
or other medical facilities.
(22) “Rule” means a written directive, mandate, standard, or principle issued by the Interstate
Commission promulgated pursuant to section 5911 of this title that is of general applicability and that implements, interprets, or prescribes a
policy or provision of the Compact. “Rule” has the force and effect of an administrative
rule in a member state and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing
rule.
(23) “Sending state” means the state from which the placement of a child is initiated.
(24) “Service member’s permanent duty station” means the military installation where an
active duty U.S. Armed Forces member is currently assigned and is physically located
under competent orders that do not specify the duty as temporary.
(25) “Service member’s state of legal residence” means the state in which the active duty
U.S. Armed Forces member is considered a resident for tax and voting purposes.
(26) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas
Islands, and any other territory of the United States.
(27) “State court” means a judicial body of a state that is vested by law with responsibility
for adjudicating cases involving abuse, neglect, deprivation, delinquency, or status
offenses of individuals who have not attained 18 years of age.
(28) “Supervision” means monitoring provided by the receiving state once a child has been
placed in a receiving state pursuant to this Compact. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5902. Definitions—Article II [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
As used in this compact:
(1) “Child” means a person who, by reason of minority, is legally subject to parental,
guardianship, or similar control.
(2) “Sending agency” means a party state, officer or employee thereof; a subdivision of
a party state, or officer, or employee thereof; a court of a party state; a person,
corporation, association, charitable agency, or other entity which sends, brings,
or causes to be sent or brought any child to another party state.
(3) “Receiving state” means the state to which a child is sent, brought, or caused to
be sent or brought, whether by public authorities or private persons or agencies,
and whether for placement with state or local public authorities or for placement
with private agencies or persons.
(4) “Placement” means the arrangement for the care of a child in a family free or boarding
home or in a child-caring agency or institution but does not include any institution
caring for the mentally ill, mentally defective, or epileptic or any institution primarily
educational in character, and any hospital or other medical facility. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5902. Definitions—Article II [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5903. Conditions for placement—Article III [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(a) No sending agency shall send, bring, or cause to be sent or brought into any other
party state any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible
adoption unless the sending agency shall comply with each and every requirement set
forth in this article and with the applicable laws of the receiving state governing
the placement of children therein.
(b) Prior to sending, bringing, or causing any child to be sent or brought into a receiving
state for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption, the
sending agency shall furnish the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state
written notice of the intention to send, bring, or place the child in the receiving
state. The notice shall contain:
(1) the name, date, and place of birth of the child;
(2) the identity and address or addresses of the parents or legal guardian;
(3) the name and address of the person, agent or institution to or with which the sending
agency proposes to send, bring, or place the child;
(4) a full statement of the reasons for such proposed action and evidence of the authority
pursuant to which the placement is proposed to be made.
(c) Any public officer or agency in a receiving state which is in receipt of a notice
pursuant to subsection (b) of this article may request of the sending agency, or any
other appropriate officer or agency of or in the sending agency’s state, and shall
be entitled to receive therefrom such supporting or additional information as it may
deem necessary under the circumstances to carry out the purpose and policy of this
compact.
(d) The child shall not be sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought into the receiving
state until the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state shall notify
the sending agency, in writing, to the effect that the proposed placement does not
appear to be contrary to the interest of the child. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5903. Conditions for placement—Article III [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5903. Applicability [Contingently enacted]
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, this Compact shall
apply to:
(1) the interstate placement of a child subject to ongoing court jurisdiction in the sending
state, due to allegations or findings that the child has been abused, neglected, or
deprived as defined by the laws of the sending state; provided, however, that the
placement of such a child into a residential facility shall only require notice of
residential placement to the receiving state prior to placement;
(2) the interstate placement of a child adjudicated delinquent or unmanageable based on
the laws of the sending state and subject to ongoing court jurisdiction of the sending
state if:
(A) the child is being placed in a residential facility in another member state and is
not covered under another compact; or
(B) the child is being placed in another member state and the determination of safety
and suitability of the placement and services required is not provided through another
compact; and
(3) the interstate placement of any child by a public child placing agency or private
child placing agency as defined in this Compact as a preliminary step to a possible
adoption.
(b) The provisions of this Compact shall not apply to:
(1) the interstate placement of a child in a custody proceeding in which a public child
placing agency is not a party; provided, however, that the placement is not intended
to effectuate an adoption;
(2) the interstate placement of a child with a non-relative in a receiving state by a
parent with the legal authority to make such a placement; provided, however, that
the placement is not intended to effectuate an adoption;
(3) the interstate placement of a child by one relative with the lawful authority to make
such a placement directly with a relative in a receiving state;
(4) the placement of a child, not subject to section 5903 of this title, into a residential facility by the child’s parent;
(5) the placement of a child with a noncustodial parent, provided that:
(A) the noncustodial parent proves to the satisfaction of a court in the sending state
a substantial relationship with the child; and
(B) the court in the sending state makes a written finding that placement with the noncustodial
parent is in the best interests of the child; and
(C) the court in the sending state dismisses its jurisdiction in interstate placements
in which the public child placing agency is a party to the proceeding;
(6) a child entering the United States from a foreign country for the purpose of adoption
or leaving the United States to go to a foreign country for the purpose of adoption
in that country;
(7) cases in which a U.S. citizen child living overseas with family, at least one of whom
is in the U.S. Armed Forces and is stationed overseas, is removed and placed in a
state; or
(8) the sending of a child by a public child placing agency or a private child placing
agency for a visit as defined by the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(c) For purposes of determining the applicability of this Compact to the placement of
a child with a family in the U.S. Armed Forces, the public child placing agency or
private child placing agency may choose the state of the service member’s permanent
duty station or the service member’s declared legal residence.
(d) Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to prohibit the concurrent application
of the provisions of this Compact with other applicable interstate compacts, including
the Interstate Compact for Juveniles and the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical
Assistance. The Interstate Commission may in cooperation with other interstate compact
commissions having responsibility for the interstate movement, placement, or transfer
of children, promulgate like rules to ensure the coordination of services, timely
placement of children, and the reduction of unnecessary or duplicative administrative
or procedural requirements. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5904. Jurisdiction [Contingently enacted]
(a) Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section and subdivisions 5905(b)(2) and
(3) of this title, paragraphs two and three concerning private and independent adoptions,
and in interstate placements in which the public child placing agency is not a party
to a custody proceeding, the sending state shall retain jurisdiction over a child
with respect to all matters of custody and disposition of the child that it would
have had if the child had remained in the sending state. Such jurisdiction shall also
include the power to order the return of the child to the sending state.
(b) When an issue of child protection or custody is brought before a court in the receiving
state, such court shall confer with the court of the sending state to determine the
most appropriate forum for adjudication.
(c) In cases that are before courts and subject to this Compact, the taking of testimony
for hearings before any judicial officer may occur in person or by telephone, audio-video
conference, or such other means as approved by the rules of the Interstate Commission;
and judicial officers may communicate with other judicial officers and persons involved
in the interstate process as may be permitted by their Canons of Judicial Conduct
and any rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.
(d) In accordance with its own laws, the court in the sending state shall have authority
to terminate its jurisdiction if any of the following occur:
(1) The child is reunified with the parent in the receiving state who is the subject of
allegations or findings of abuse or neglect, only with the concurrence of the public
child placing agency in the receiving state.
(2) The child is adopted.
(3) The child reaches the age of majority under the laws of the sending state.
(4) The child achieves legal independence pursuant to the laws of the sending state.
(5) A guardianship is created by a court in the receiving state with the concurrence of
the court in the sending state.
(6) An Indian tribe has petitioned for and received jurisdiction from the court in the
sending state.
(7) The public child placing agency of the sending state requests termination and has
obtained the concurrence of the public child placing agency in the receiving state.
(e) When a sending state court terminates its jurisdiction, the receiving state child
placing agency shall be notified.
(f) Nothing in this section shall defeat a claim of jurisdiction by a receiving state
court sufficient to deal with an act of truancy, delinquency, crime, or behavior involving
a child as defined by the laws of the receiving state committed by the child in the
receiving state that would be a violation of its laws.
(g) Nothing in this article shall limit the receiving state’s ability to take emergency
jurisdiction for the protection of the child.
(h) The substantive laws of the state in which an adoption will be finalized shall solely
govern all issues relating to the adoption of the child, and the court in which the
adoption proceeding is filed shall have subject matter jurisdiction regarding all
substantive issues relating to the adoption, except:
(1) when the child is a ward of another court that established jurisdiction over the child
prior to the placement; or
(2) when the child is in the legal custody of a public agency in the sending state; or
(3) when a court in the sending state has otherwise appropriately assumed jurisdiction
over the child, prior to the submission of the request for approval of placement.
(i) A final decree of adoption shall not be entered in any jurisdiction until the placement
is authorized as an “approved placement” by the public child placing agency in the
receiving state. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5904. Penalty for illegal placement—Article IV [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
The sending, bringing, or causing to be sent or brought into any receiving state of
a child in violation of the terms of this compact shall constitute a violation of
the laws respecting the placement of children of both the state in which the sending
agency is located or from which it sends or brings the child of the receiving state.
Such violation may be punished or subjected to penalty in either jurisdiction in accordance
with its laws. In addition to liability for any such punishment or penalty, any such
violation shall constitute full and sufficient grounds for the suspension or revocation
of any license, permit, or other legal authorization held by the sending agency which
empowers or allows it to place or care for children. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5904. Penalty for illegal placement—Article IV [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5905. Retention of jurisdiction—Article V [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(a) The sending agency shall retain jurisdiction over the child sufficient to determine
all matters in relation to the custody, supervision, care, treatment, and disposition
of the child which it would have had if the child had remained in the sending agency’s
state, until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes self-supporting, or is
discharged with the concurrence of the appropriate authority in the receiving state.
Such jurisdiction shall also include the power to effect or cause the return of the
child or its transfer to another location and custody pursuant to law. The sending
agency shall continue to have financial responsibility for support and maintenance
of the child during the period of the placement. Nothing contained herein shall defeat
a claim of jurisdiction by a receiving state sufficient to deal with an act of delinquency
or crime committed therein.
(b) When the sending agency is a public agency, it may enter into an agreement with an
authorized public or private agency in the receiving state providing for the performance
of one or more services in respect of such case by the latter as agent for the sending
agency.
(c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent a private charitable agency
authorized to place children in the receiving state from performing services or acting
as agent in that state for a private charitable agency of the sending state; nor to
prevent the agency in the receiving state from discharging financial responsibility
for the support and maintenance of a child who has been placed on behalf of the sending
agency without relieving the responsibility set forth in subsection (a) hereof. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5905. Retention of jurisdiction—Article V [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5905. Placement evaluation [Contingently enacted]
(a) Prior to sending, bringing, or causing a child to be sent or brought into a receiving
state, the public child placing agency shall provide a written request for assessment
to the receiving state.
(b) For placements by a private child placing agency, a child may be sent or brought,
or caused to be sent or brought, into a receiving state, upon receipt and immediate
review of the required content in a request for approval of a placement in both the
sending and receiving state public child placing agency. The required content to accompany
a request for approval shall include all of the following:
(1) a request for approval identifying the child, birth parent or parents, the prospective
adoptive parent or parents, and the supervising agency, signed by the person requesting
approval;
(2) the appropriate consents or relinquishments signed by the birth parents in accordance
with the laws of the sending state or, where permitted, the laws of the state where
the adoption will be finalized;
(3) certification by a licensed attorney or authorized agent of a private adoption agency
that the consent or relinquishment is in compliance with the applicable laws of the
sending state or, where permitted, the laws of the state where finalization of the
adoption will occur;
(4) a home study; and
(5) an acknowledgment of legal risk signed by the prospective adoptive parents.
(c) The sending state and the receiving state may request additional information or documents
prior to finalization of an approved placement, but they may not delay travel by the
prospective adoptive parents with the child if the required content for approval has
been submitted, received, and reviewed by the public child placing agency in both
the sending state and the receiving state.
(d) Approval from the public child placing agency in the receiving state for a provisional
or approved placement is required as provided for in the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(e) The procedures for making and the request for an assessment shall contain all information
and be in such form as provided for in the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(f) Upon receipt of a request from the public child placing agency of the sending state,
the receiving state shall initiate an assessment of the proposed placement to determine
its safety and suitability. If the proposed placement is a placement with a relative,
the public child placing agency of the sending state may request a determination for
a provisional placement.
(g) The public child placing agency in the receiving state may request from the public
child placing agency or the private child placing agency in the sending state, and
shall be entitled to receive, supporting or additional information necessary to complete
the assessment or approve the placement.
(h) The public child placing agency in the receiving state shall approve a provisional
placement and complete or arrange for the completion of the assessment within the
time frames established by the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(i) For a placement by a private child placing agency, the sending state shall not impose
any additional requirements to complete the home study that are not required by the
receiving state, unless the adoption is finalized in the sending state.
(j) The Interstate Commission may develop uniform standards for the assessment of the
safety and suitability of interstate placements. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5906. Placement authority [Contingently enacted]
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Compact, no child subject to this Compact shall
be placed into a receiving state until approval for such placement is obtained.
(b) If the public child placing agency in the receiving state does not approve the proposed
placement, then the child shall not be placed. The receiving state shall provide written
documentation of any such determination in accordance with the rules promulgated by
the Interstate Commission. Such determination is not subject to judicial review in
the sending state.
(c) If the proposed placement is not approved, any interested party shall have standing
to seek an administrative review of the receiving state’s determination.
(1) The administrative review and any further judicial review associated with the determination
shall be conducted in the receiving state pursuant to its applicable Administrative
Procedures Act.
(2) If a determination not to approve the placement of the child in the receiving state
is overturned upon review, the placement shall be deemed approved; provided, however,
that all administrative or judicial remedies have been exhausted or the time for such
remedies has passed. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5906. Institutional care of delinquent children—Article VI [Contingently repealed; effective
until contingency met]
A child adjudicated delinquent may be placed in an institution in another party jurisdiction
pursuant to this compact but no such placement shall be made unless the child is given
a court hearing on notice to the parent or guardian with opportunity to be heard,
prior to his or her being sent to such other party jurisdiction for institutional
care and the court finds that:
(1) equivalent facilities for the child are not available in the sending agency’s jurisdiction;
and
(2) institutional care in the other jurisdiction is in the best interest of the child
and will not produce undue hardship. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5906. Institutional care of delinquent children—Article VI [Contingently repealed; effective
until contingency met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5907. Compact administrator—Article VII [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
The executive head of each jurisdiction party to this compact shall designate an officer
who shall be general coordinator of activities under this compact in his or her jurisdiction
and who, acting jointly with like officers of other party jurisdictions, shall have
power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms
and provisions of this compact. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5907. Compact administrator—Article VII [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5907. Placing agency responsibility [Contingently enacted]
(a) For the interstate placement of a child made by a public child placing agency or state
court:
(1) The public child placing agency in the sending state shall have financial responsibility
for:
(A) the ongoing support and maintenance for the child during the period of the placement,
unless otherwise provided for in the receiving state; and
(B) as determined by the public child placing agency in the sending state, services for
the child beyond the public services for which the child is eligible in the receiving
state.
(2) The receiving state shall only have financial responsibility for:
(A) any assessment conducted by the receiving state; and
(B) supervision conducted by the receiving state at the level necessary to support the
placement as agreed upon by the public child placing agencies of the receiving and
sending state.
(3) Nothing in this provision shall prohibit public child placing agencies in the sending
state from entering into agreements with licensed agencies or persons in the receiving
state to conduct assessments and provide supervision.
(b) For the placement of a child by a private child placing agency preliminary to a possible
adoption, the private child placing agency shall be:
(1) legally responsible for the child during the period of placement as provided for in
the law of the sending state until the finalization of the adoption; and
(2) financially responsible for the child absent a contractual agreement to the contrary.
(c) The public child placing agency in the receiving state shall provide timely assessments,
as provided for in the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(d) The public child placing agency in the receiving state shall provide, or arrange for
the provision of, supervision and services for the child, including timely reports,
during the period of the placement.
(e) Nothing in this Compact shall be construed as to limit the authority of the public
child placing agency in the receiving state from contracting with a licensed agency
or person in the receiving state for an assessment or the provision of supervision
or services for the child or otherwise authorizing the provision of supervision or
services by a licensed agency during the period of placement.
(f) Each member state shall provide for coordination among its branches of government
concerning the state’s participation in, and compliance with, the Compact and Interstate
Commission activities, through the creation of an advisory council or use of an existing
body or board.
(g) Each member state shall establish a central state compact office, which shall be responsible
for state compliance with the Compact and the rules of the Interstate Commission.
(h) The public child placing agency in the sending state shall oversee compliance with
the provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) for placements subject to the provisions of this Compact, prior to placement.
(i) With the consent of the Interstate Commission, states may enter into limited agreements
that facilitate the timely assessment and provision of services and supervision of
placements under this Compact. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5908. Interstate Commission for the Placement of Children [Contingently enacted]
The member states hereby establish, by way of this Compact, a commission known as
the “Interstate Commission for the Placement of Children.” The activities of the Interstate
Commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function.
The Interstate Commission shall:
(1) Be a joint commission of the member states and shall have the responsibilities, powers,
and duties set forth herein, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it
by subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states.
(2) Consist of one commissioner from each member state who shall be appointed by the executive
head of the state human services administration with ultimate responsibility for the
child welfare program. The appointed commissioner shall have the legal authority to
vote on policy related matters governed by this Compact binding the state.
(A) Each member state represented at a meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled
to one vote.
(B) A majority of the member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business,
unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.
(C) A representative shall not delegate a vote to another member state.
(D) A representative may delegate voting authority to another person from the state for
a specified meeting.
(3) In addition to the commissioners of each member state, the Interstate Commission shall
include persons who are members of interested organizations as defined in the bylaws
or rules of the Interstate Commission. Such members shall be ex officio and shall
not be entitled to vote on any matter before the Interstate Commission.
(4) Establish an executive committee that shall have the authority to administer the day-to-day
operations and administration of the Interstate Commission. It shall not have the
power to engage in rulemaking. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5908. Limitations—Article VIII [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
This compact shall not apply to:
(1) the sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state by his or her parent, step-parent,
grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult uncle or aunt, or his or her guardian
and leaving the child with any such relative or nonagency guardian in the receiving
state;
(2) any placement, sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state pursuant to any
other interstate compact to which both the state from which the child is sent or brought
and the receiving state are party, or to any other agreement between said states which
has the force of law. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5908. Limitations—Article VIII [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5909. Enactment and withdrawal—Article IX [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
This compact shall be open to joinder by any state, territory, or possession of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, with
the consent of Congress, the Government of Canada or any province thereof. It shall
become effective with respect to any such jurisdiction when such jurisdiction has
enacted the same into law. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment
of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until two years after the
effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been
given by the withdrawing state to the Governor of each other party jurisdiction.
Withdrawal of a party state shall not affect the rights, duties and obligations under
this compact of any sending agency therein with respect to a placement made prior
to the effective date of withdrawal. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5909. Enactment and withdrawal—Article IX [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5909. Powers and duties of the Interstate Commission [Contingently enacted]
The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:
(1) To promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes,
and obligations as enumerated in this Compact.
(2) To provide for dispute resolution among member states.
(3) To issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning
or interpretation of the Interstate Compact, its bylaws, rules, or actions.
(4) To enforce compliance with this Compact or the bylaws or rules of the Interstate Commission
pursuant to section 5907 of this title.
(5) Collect standardized data concerning the interstate placement of children subject
to this Compact as directed through its rules, which shall specify the data to be
collected, the means of collection, and data exchange and reporting requirements.
(6) To establish and maintain offices as may be necessary for the transacting of its business.
(7) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.
(8) To hire or contract for services of personnel or consultants as necessary to carry
out its functions under the Compact and establish personnel qualification policies
and rates of compensation.
(9) To establish and appoint committees and officers, including but not limited to an
executive committee as required by section 5910 of this title.
(10) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials,
and services and to receive, utilize, and dispose thereof.
(11) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold,
improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed.
(12) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose
of any property, real, personal, or mixed.
(13) To establish a budget and make expenditures.
(14) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate
Commission.
(15) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, the judiciary, and state advisory
councils of the member states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission
during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that
may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission.
(16) To coordinate and provide education, training, and public awareness regarding the
interstate movement of children for officials involved in such activity.
(17) To maintain books and records in accordance with the bylaws of the Interstate Commission.
(18) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes
of this Compact. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5910. Organization and operation of the Interstate Commission [Contingently enacted]
(a) Bylaws.
(1) Within 12 months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, the Interstate Commission
shall adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry
out the purposes of the Compact.
(2) The Interstate Commission’s bylaws and rules shall establish conditions and procedures
under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records
available to the public for inspection or copying. The Interstate Commission may exempt
from disclosure information or official records to the extent they would adversely
affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.
(b) Meetings.
(1) The Interstate Commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson
may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member
states, shall call additional meetings.
(2) Public notice shall be given by the Interstate Commission of all meetings, and all
meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise
provided in the Compact. The Interstate Commission and its committees may close a
meeting, or portion thereof, where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting
would be likely to:
(A) relate solely to the Interstate Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
or
(B) disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal law; or
(C) disclose financial or commercial information that is privileged, proprietary, or confidential
in nature; or
(D) involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person; or
(E) disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or physically endanger one or more persons;
or
(F) disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; or
(G) specifically relate to the Interstate Commission’s participation in a civil action
or other legal proceeding.
(3) For a meeting, or portion of a meeting, closed pursuant to this provision, the Interstate
Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed
and shall reference each relevant exemption provision. The Interstate Commission shall
keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting
and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken and the reasons therefore,
including a description of the views expressed and the record of a roll call vote.
All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such
minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject
to release by a majority vote of the Interstate Commission or by court order.
(4) The bylaws may provide for meetings of the Interstate Commission to be conducted by
telecommunication or other electronic communication.
(c) Officers and staff.
(1) The Interstate Commission may, through its executive committee, appoint or retain
a staff director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation
as the Interstate Commission may deem appropriate. The staff director shall serve
as secretary to the Interstate Commission but shall not have a vote. The staff director
may hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.
(2) The Interstate Commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and a vice
chairperson of the executive committee and other necessary officers, each of whom
shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws.
(d) Qualified immunity; defense and indemnification. The Interstate Commission’s staff director and its employees shall be immune from
suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for
damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or
arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred,
or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope
of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that such person shall
not be protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused
by a criminal act or the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
(1) The liability of the Interstate Commission’s staff director and employees or Interstate
Commission representatives, acting within the scope of such person’s employment or
duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person’s state, may not
exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state
for state officials, employees, and agents. The Interstate Commission is considered
to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action. Nothing
in this subsection shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability
for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by a criminal act or the intentional
or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
(2) The Interstate Commission shall defend the staff director and its employees and, subject
to the approval of the Attorney General or other appropriate legal counsel of the
member state, shall defend the commissioner of a member state in a civil action seeking
to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that
occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities,
or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope
of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the
actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful
and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.
(3) To the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the Interstate Commission,
the representatives or employees of the Interstate Commission shall be held harmless
in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney’s fees and costs, obtained
against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that
occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities,
or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope
of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the
actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful
and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5910. Construction and severability—Article X [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes
thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution
of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government,
agency, person, or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of
this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance
shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution
of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to
the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all
severable matters. (Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972.)
§ 5910. Construction and severability—Article X [Contingently repealed; effective until contingency
met]
(Added 1971, No. 219 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 4, 5, eff. April 5, 1972; contingently repealed by 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)
§ 5911. Rulemaking functions of the Interstate Commission [Contingently enacted]
(a) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate and publish rules in order to effectively
and efficiently achieve the purposes of the Compact.
(b) Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the
bylaws and rules adopted pursuant thereto. Such rulemaking shall substantially conform
to the principles of the “Model State Administrative Procedures Act,” 1981 Act, Uniform
Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p.1 (2000), or such other administrative procedure acts as
the Interstate Commission deems appropriate consistent with due process requirements
under the U.S. Constitution as now or hereafter interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified, as published
with the final version of the rule as approved by the Interstate Commission.
(c) When promulgating a rule, the Interstate Commission shall, at a minimum do all of
the following:
(1) publish the proposed rule’s entire text stating the reason or reasons for that proposed
rule;
(2) allow and invite any and all persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and
arguments, which information shall be added to the record, and be made publicly available;
and
(3) promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on input from
state or local officials or interested parties.
(d) Rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission shall have the force and effect of
administrative rules and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and
in the manner provided for in this Compact.
(e) Not later than 60 days after a rule is promulgated, an interested person may file
a petition in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or in the Federal
District Court where the Interstate Commission’s principal office is located for judicial
review of such rule. If the court finds that the Interstate Commission’s action is
not supported by substantial evidence in the rulemaking record, the court shall hold
the rule unlawful and set it aside.
(f) If a majority of the legislatures of the member states rejects a rule, those states
may, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the
Compact, cause that such rule shall have no further force and effect in any member
state.
(g) The existing rules governing the operation of the Interstate Compact on the Placement
of Children superseded by this subchapter shall be null and void no less than 12,
but no more than 24 months after the first meeting of the Interstate Commission created
hereunder, as determined by the members during the first meeting.
(h) Within the first 12 months of operation, the Interstate Commission shall promulgate
rules addressing the following:
(1) transition rules;
(2) forms and procedures;
(3) timelines;
(4) data collection and reporting;
(5) rulemaking;
(6) visitation;
(7) progress reports and supervision;
(8) sharing of information and confidentiality;
(9) financing of the Interstate Commission;
(10) mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution;
(11) education, training, and technical assistance;
(12) enforcement; and
(13) coordination with other interstate compacts.
(i) Upon determination by a majority of the members of the Interstate Commission that
an emergency exists:
(1) The Interstate Commission may promulgate an emergency rule only if it is required
to:
(A) protect the children covered by this Compact from an imminent threat to their health,
safety, and well-being; or
(B) prevent loss of federal or state funds; or
(C) meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule required by federal
law.
(2) An emergency rule shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that
the usual rulemaking procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied
to said rule as soon as reasonably possible but not later than 90 days after the effective
date of the emergency rule.
(3) An emergency rule shall be promulgated as provided for in the rules of the Interstate
Commission. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5912. Oversight; dispute resolution; enforcement [Contingently enacted]
(a) Oversight.
(1) The Interstate Commission shall oversee the administration and operation of the Compact.
(2) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member
state shall enforce this Compact and the rules of the Interstate Commission and shall
take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and
intent. The Compact and its rules shall be binding in the compacting states to the
extent and in the manner provided for in this Compact.
(3) All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the rules in any judicial
or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of
this Compact.
(4) The Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any action
in which the validity of a compact provision or rule is the issue for which a judicial
determination has been sought and shall have standing to intervene in any proceedings.
Failure to provide service of process to the Interstate Commission shall render any
judgment, order, or other determination, however so captioned or classified, void
as to the Interstate Commission, this Compact, its bylaws, or rules of the Interstate
Commission.
(b) Dispute Resolution.
(1) The Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve
disputes that are subject to the Compact and that may arise among member states and
between member and nonmember states.
(2) The Interstate Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and
binding dispute resolution for disputes among compacting states. The costs of such
mediation or dispute resolution shall be the responsibility of the parties to the
dispute.
(c) Enforcement. If the Interstate Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the
performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or its bylaws
or rules, the Interstate Commission may do any of the following:
(1) Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance.
(2) Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature
of the default and the means of curing the default. The Interstate Commission shall
specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default.
(3) By majority vote of the members, initiate against a defaulting member state legal
action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion
of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission
has its principal office, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact
and its bylaws or rules. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and
damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing party shall
be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(4) Avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of
official or professional conduct. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5913. Financing of the Commission [Contingently enacted]
(a) The Interstate Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable
expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
(b) The Interstate Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member
state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Interstate Commission
and its staff that must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission’s
annual budget as approved by its members each year. The aggregate annual assessment
amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate
Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.
(c) The Interstate Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing
the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the
credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member
state.
(d) The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements.
The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the
audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts
and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly
by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be
included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5914. Member states; effective date and amendment [Contingently enacted]
(a) Any state is eligible to become a member state.
(b) The Compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the Compact
into law by no fewer than 35 states. The effective date shall be the later of July
1, 2007 or upon enactment of the Compact into law by the 35th state. Thereafter it
shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of
the Compact into law by that state. The executive heads of the state human services
administration with ultimate responsibility for the child welfare program of nonmember
states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the
Interstate Commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the Compact by all
states.
(c) The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the Compact for enactment by the
member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding on the member states
unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5915. Withdrawal and dissolution [Contingently enacted]
(a) Withdrawal.
(1) Once effective, the Compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and
every member state, provided that a member state may withdraw from the Compact specifically
repealing the statute that enacted the Compact into law.
(2) Withdrawal from this Compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the
same. The effective date of withdrawal shall be the effective date of the repeal of
the statute.
(3) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the president of the Interstate Commission
in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this Compact in the withdrawing
state. The Interstate Commission shall then notify the other member states of the
withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw.
(4) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities
incurred through the effective date of withdrawal.
(5) Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing
state reenacting the Compact or upon such later date as determined by the members
of the Interstate Commission.
(b) Dissolution of Compact.
(1) This Compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of
the member state that reduces the membership in the Compact to one member state.
(2) Upon the dissolution of this Compact, the Compact becomes null and void and shall
be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission
shall be concluded and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5916. Severability and construction [Contingently enacted]
(a) The provisions of this Compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence,
or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the Compact shall
be enforceable.
(b) The provisions of this Compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
(c) Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to prohibit the concurrent applicability
of other interstate compacts to which the states are members. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5917. Binding effect of compact and other laws [Contingently enacted]
(a) Other laws. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is
not inconsistent with this Compact.
(b) Binding effect of the Compact.
(1) All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated
by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the member states.
(2) All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the member states are binding
in accordance with their terms.
(3) In the event any provision of this Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed
on the legislature of any member state, such provision shall be ineffective to the
extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member
state. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
§ 5918. Indian tribes [Contingently enacted]
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Compact, the Interstate Commission may
promulgate guidelines to permit Indian tribes to utilize the Compact to achieve any
or all of the purposes of the Compact as specified in section 5901 of this title. The Interstate Commission shall make reasonable efforts to consult with Indian tribes
in promulgating guidelines to reflect the diverse circumstances of the various Indian
tribes. (Contingently added 2021, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)