Home Study Related to Interstate Compact Cases 622-05-15-20

(Revised 6/1/22 ML #3677)

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The Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006 (PL 109-239) amends Title IV-B and Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. It encourages States to improve protections for children and holds them accountable for the safe and timely placement of children across State lines.

 

Interstate foster care home study requests made by another State are required to be completed and received by the Children and Family Services ICPC Administrator. Federal ICPC guidelines suggests a response to the sending state within 60 days. The law does not require the State to make placement decisions within this timeframe. The decision for placement will be made when all the information, including criminal background check results, is available and the home assessment is complete.

 

If a North Dakota family is being asked to care for an out of state child through ICPC, the family must decide if they want to be a:

1. Licensed Foster Parent = The home study and licensing process will be managed by the CFS Licensing Unit.
2. Unlicensed Relative Caregiver = The home study approval will be managed by a local Human Service Zone, likely the agency and/or worker being asked to provide the ICPC courtesy case management for the child placed in North Dakota.