The Kinship Family Lives in Another State. What Happens Next?

The strongest kinship option may live in Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, California, or anywhere else.

Virginia’s family-finding responsibility does not stop at the state line. When an out-of-state relative or trusted adult is being considered for a foster placement, ICPC generally provides the structure for interstate assessment and supervision.

The added process is real. So is the relationship you are trying to preserve.

Start interstate work early

Once an appropriate out-of-state resource is identified, avoid treating ICPC as something to think about later

. Gather complete information, explain the process to the family, and initiate the appropriate request under current guidance.

Delays caused by incomplete information feel especially punishing to a family already waiting.

Explain who does what

The sending state remains responsible for the child under the Compact, while the receiving state completes the relevant assessment and provides supervision after an approved placement.

Families often assume the person calling them locally now owns the entire case. Spell out roles and contacts.

Keep the family connected to the child

An ICPC home study can take time.

Where safe and consistent with the case plan, preserve contact while the formal work continues. Placement is not the only measure of kinship connection.

A child benefits from knowing the family is still present.

Prepare the caregiver for foster parenting too

The interstate process focuses heavily on approval. The caregiver still needs preparation for the child.

Talk about trauma, parent relationships, school, culture, sibling contact, and what the child knows about the proposed move.

If the family will be connected with ESP in Virginia, bring foster-parent support into the planning as early as the case allows.

Where Extra Special Parents FIT

Interstate is a process problem to manage, not a reason to stop looking at family.