Intrastate Adoption or Interstate Adoption

One way of classifying all domestic adoptions is to view them as an intrastate adoption or an interstate adoption.  You can participate in either one but there is at least two critical differences you need to be aware of.

An  Intrastate child adoption takes place when the birth mother and baby reside in the same state as you. In an intrastate adoption the child being adopted does not have to be taken across state lines as part to the placement and adoption.

An interstate child adoption takes place when the birth mother and baby reside in a different state than you.  In an interstate adoption, the child is taken form one state to another state with the intention being an adoption placement.

The distinctions between Intrastate and Interstate Child Adoption is very important since each type of adoption requires a different set of legal requirements. The main differences are that in an intrastate adoption you must meet the requirements of only one state while an interstate adoption must meet the requirements of at least two states as well as the requirements of the Interstate Compact Act.

In both types of adoption it is very important you have a Home Study completed prior to taking custody of a child, but in an interstate placement it is a critical necessity.

Once you have taken physical custody of the child, you can take the baby to your home if it is an intrastate adoption.  However, if it is an interstate adoption you can not take the child out of the state where the child is a resident until that state and your state of residence give there approval for the transfer.  To receive this approval, your adoption agency or adoption attorney will file papers with the Interstate Compact Office located in both states.  Until you get approval, while you can travel wherever you want, the child can not cross the state line.

Another important distinction between the two types of adoption is that the laws and procedures of both states regarding the termination of the parental rights of the birth mother and birth father, the required post-placement supervisory visits and the finalization of the adoption need to be looked at and addressed.

We at Adoption Services have extensive experience with both intrastate and interstate adoption. We are here to help you determine the best choice for you and then to help implement your choices in a way that will eliminate problems and concerns.  We are able to help you with an adoption regardless of the state in which you reside but we are able to complete a Home Study only for residents of PA, NJ, NY, VA, WV, and FL.

For additional help with an adoption agency adoption visit the link Selecting an adoption Agency.  You can also find a list of adoption agencies in your state and neighboring states at the link Domestic Adoption Agencies.

If you need or want some specific personal advice contact your state child welfare agency or state adoption contact.  You can also call Dr. Vince Berger, a psychologist and adoption professional.

Please visit our home page to read about our commitment to assist adoptive parents like you as well as pregnant women and birth parents.