Interstate Adoption

Below are the steps for the Interstate Adoption Process.

1 - Information gathering

To learn more about any of our adoption programs, please complete this short inquiry form and we will send additional information via email.

Review the eligibility requirements for this program.

2 - Identify a placing agency

For interstate adoptions, you will need to have another placing agency in the United States.

Since laws differ among states, it is helpful to ask questions pertaining to their agency and state. For instance, you may ask about about eligibility requirements and "pass through" fees. Also note, the length of time when a birth mother can revoke her entrustment (also known as "legal risk period") varies depending on each state.

3 - Application

You may apply online once you have submitted our online inquiry form above and have reviewed all of our program information. The non-refundable application fee is $500.

If you have already identified an interstate placing agency, you will include the name and contact information on your application.

4 - Social worker assigned

Your social worker will contact you shortly after receiving your application. An initial meeting will be scheduled. 

Please see Staff to learn more about us!

5 - Initial meeting

The initial meeting occurs at our office. Your application and the home study process will be discussed. You will need to bring your birth certificate(s), marriage license(s), divorce decree/annual paper(s), and most recent two 1040’s. You will also need to bring a check for the home study fee. Please see our fee schedule for more details.

6 - Pre-adopt training

The pre-adopt training may be completed at various points in the home study process, but it needs to be completed prior to home study finalization. Please see the calendar for upcoming dates and speak with your social worker about signing up.

7 - Paperwork

Your social worker will work with you to ensure all paperwork is completed in a timely manner throughout the home study process. Your social worker will provide you with a paperwork checklist that will need to be completed prior to the home study approval.

Individual session

(Client #1)

• Each applicant will complete one individual session with the social worker. The individual session typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and occurs at the office during business hours. During the individual session, your social worker will ask you various questions regarding your personal history, family, career, values, and so on.

Individual session

(Client #2; if applicable)

• Each applicant will complete one individual session with the social worker. The individual session typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and occurs at the office during business hours. During the individual session, your social worker will ask you various questions regarding your personal history, family, career, values, and so on.

8 - Home visit

The home visit is typically the final step in the home study process. During this visit, your social worker will tour your home and complete a safety checklist.

9 - Home study approved

In Virginia, your home study is valid for three years. However, please note, if you are pursuing interstate, international, or Waiting Child adoption, you may need to have updates for your home study in compliance with the regulations of other states/countries.

To ensure all of our families are meeting ongoing licensure requirements, your social worker will continue to check-in and monitor your home after you are home study approved. You will notify your social worker if there are any significant changes in your home, family, and/or daily life. You will also attend at least one annual training at our office. Please see the calendar for upcoming dates.

10 - Send home study to agency

Your social worker will send your approved home study to your other agency.

11 - Matched with child

Your placement agency will match you with a child based on your preferences.

12 - Travel to state

You will travel to your child's state when it is time for the birth parent(s) to sign entrustments and place the child in your care. You will need to remain in your child's state until approved to return to Virginia through the ICPC office. Once approved, you are permitted to return to Virginia with your child.

Please visit the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) website for more information.

13 - Return to Virginia

You will report to your Catholic Charities social worker upon returning to Virginia with your child to schedule the first post-placement supervision visit.

14 - Hire an adoption attorney

You will need to hire an adoption attorney to help you navigate the laws to finalize your adoption.

Click here for information on adoption attorneys, but not limited to.

15 - Post-placement supervision

Your post-placement supervision requirements are dependent upon what state you finalize your child's adoption. If finalizing in Virginia, your social worker will conduct three post-placement visits over a six month period. If you are finalizing in the state where your child was born, your interstate agency will tell you the laws of supervision for their jurisdiction. Your Catholic Charities social worker will follow the state regulations wherever you are finalizing.

The purpose of these visits is to talk about family dynamics, learn about the child's health and development, and to continue to support you through your adoption journey.

14 - Adoption finalization

Prior to adoption finalization, your interstate agency will maintain legal custody and you will maintain physical custody of your child. Once the adoption is finalized, the court will issue the Final Order of Adoption.

16 - Request for new birth certificate

Once the Final Order of Adoption is received, your placing agency or attorney applies for the amended birth certificate including your names as parents and the name you have given to the child. It will take several months for the birth certificate to be received from Vital Records. Upon receipt of amended birth certificate, the adoptive parents apply for a Social Security card.