Intrastate and Interstate

In an intrastate child adoption the adopting family needs to be concerned with only the laws of the one state involved while in an interstate adoption the adopting family needs to be aware of the laws of two or more states and the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

One way of classifying all domestic U.S. adoptions is to view them as an intrastate child adoption or an interstate child adoption.  In an intrastate adoption you (the adopting party) and the the birth mother and her baby all live in the same state.  In an interstate adoption you and the the birth birth mother and child reside in different states.

The distinction between and intrastate and interstate adoption is important since each sets in motion a different set of legal requirements and procedures. An intrastate adoption must meet the requirements of only the one state where everyone resides while an . interstate adoption must meet the requirements of at least two states as well as the requirements of the ICPC (Interstate Compact Act).  While you need to be aware of these differences, all the details involved should be taken care of by the child adoption agency that has helped with the placement.

Do not forget that in every type of domestic child adoption you need to be aware of the requirement for a Home Study and the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

For more detailed information visit the links intrastate and interstate adoption and other types of adoption.  Additionally, please feel free to contact us at AdoptionServices.org