Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a law that ensures children moving from state to state under court jurisdiction have the same rights and protections as children in Wisconsin. The ICPC establishes uniform legal and administrative procedures governing the interstate placement of children. Wisconsin ICPC statute can be found at 48.988.

Who is a part of the Compact?

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a statutory law and legal contract:

Includes all 50 states, US Virgin Islands and District of Columbia
Puerto Rico has not adopted the Compact
ICPC is not used for international placements

What does ICPC do?

Provides ability for a home study to be done outside of the sending state
Arranges for legal, financial and administrative responsibilities during the time of the placement
Serves as a basis for enforcement of rights and responsibilities of the sending and receiving parties
Produces regular updates on the child’s adjustment, progress, and any difficulties with the placement

When does the Compact apply?

Placement prior to an adoption, including placements through a public agency, private agencies or attorneys
Placements into foster care, including foster homes, group homes and residential treatment facilities
Placements with parents and relatives when a parent or relative is not making the placement

When does the Compact NOT apply?

Placements made in medical and mental health facilities for treatment
Boarding schools or “any institution primarily educational in character”
Placement of a child made by a parent who has full legal right to plan for the child to:
- a parent,
- stepparent,
- grandparent,
- adult brother or sister,
- adult aunt or uncle, or
- non-agency guardian
Divorce or custody procedures
International studies or international adoptions
Visits (up to 30 days or summer school vacation)

ICPC Contact Information

ICPC Office Hours: M-F 8:00AM-4:30PM

Wisconsin ICPC caseload is divided alphabetically by the last name of the child/ren concerned.

For cases with multiple last names, use the OLDEST child's last name.

ICPC Specialists (Parent, Relative, Foster, Adoptive Cases)

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

ICPC Specialists (Parent, Relative, Foster, Adoptive Cases)

All cases B-H

All cases I-Q

All cases A and R-Z

ICPC Assistant (Public and Private Residential Requests)

All Cases