My Relative’s Child Lives in Another State. Can They Come and Live with Me in Virginia?

You live in Virginia. A child you love is in foster care somewhere else. You want them here.

That is a powerful and practical offer, but interstate foster care placement is not as simple as the child getting on a plane or driving across the state line.
When a child in another state is being considered for placement with you in Virginia, ICPC will often provide the route for the two states to work together.

The child’s state starts the request

The agency responsible for the child is the sending state. Virginia becomes the receiving state for the proposed placement.
The sending agency prepares and submits the interstate request. Virginia then coordinates the assessment work needed here.
Ask the child’s worker whether an ICPC request has been made and what information they need from you.

Expect a home study and checks

Virginia’s ICPC information for resource parents describes the assessment process, including background checks, interviews, references, questionnaires, home safety reviews, and foster parent training.
This can feel slow when the child is in the family. The purpose is to make sure the placement can safely meet the child’s needs and that responsibilities between the states are clear.

The sending state still has responsibilities

An approved interstate placement does not simply transfer the entire case to Virginia.
Under ICPC, the sending state retains legal and financial responsibility as required, while the receiving state provides supervision and reports.
Knowing that helps families understand why they may be dealing with professionals in two states.

Prepare for the child, not just the home study

Use the assessment period to learn about the child’s current needs, school, medical care, family contact, and what they have experienced.
If you will become a foster parent in Virginia as part of the arrangement, ask what preparation and support will be available.
ESP supports foster and resource families across Virginia and can help families understand the role and build the skills and support they need once a child arrives.

Where Extra Special Parents FIT

If a child you know is in foster care outside Virginia, contact the child’s worker and state clearly that you live in Virginia and want to be considered. Interstate does not mean impossible. It means the placement requires both states to work together.