Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

For families, parents, foster caregivers, relatives and attorneys who want to understand how children are placed across state lines.

When a child in Virginia’s foster care or state custody needs to live in another state—or when Virginia receives a child from another state—the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children must be followed.

This process exists to protect children, ensure safe homes and make sure both states remain responsible for the child’s care.

Why the Interstate Compact Matters

The Interstate Compact makes sure that:

Children are placed in safe and stable homes
Placements are supervised for ongoing safety and well-being
The state sending the child remains legally and financially responsible

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children

Legal Requirements

Both the sending state and the receiving state must follow their laws.
Placement must be approved before a child moves across state lines.
Violations may result in penalties under either state’s laws.

When the Interstate Compact Applies

The Interstate Compact is required when:

The Interstate Compact is not required when:

A child in Virginia’s custody is placed in another state
A parent places a child in a non-relative setting, such as a residential treatment center, group home or adoptive home
A public agency places a child in an adoptive home in another state
A private agency places a child in an adoptive home

A child attends a boarding school or medical facility
Relatives place a child with other relatives (when Virginia does not have custody)
A child is visiting another state for less than 30 days or during a school break

Contact the Virginia Interstate Compact Office

Email: vaicpcoffice@dss.virginia.gov

Deputy Compact Administrator:
Tameka Kelley
Email: Tameka1.Kelley@dss.virginia.gov
Phone: 804-489-0594

Compact Administrator:
Em Parente, PhD, LCSW
Assistant Director, Family Services
Virginia Department of Social Services
Phone: 804-382-4327

Learn more about the Interstate Compact process and contact the Virginia office if you have questions.

Biological Parents and the Interstate Compact

When another state wants to place a foster child with a parent in Virginia—or when Virginia places a child with a parent in another state—the Interstate Compact ensures the placement is safe and coordinated.

Understand out-of-state placement steps

Resource Parents and the Interstate Compact

When a child is placed with a foster or kinship caregiver across state lines, the Interstate Compact ensures the placement is safe and fully reviewed.

Explore steps for foster and kinship placement

Private Adoptions and the Interstate Compact

Private adoptions mean the child is not in the custody of the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Learn what to expect in private adoptions