ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
North Carolina
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator - |
Deputy Compact Administrator Althea Swinson |
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) If the assigned consultant is not known, please do not email every consultant. Please send your inquiry to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
|
Administrative Assistant (A-L) Karen Kelly
|
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) Lakecia Knight Sherita Wright Karis Rozier
Cheryl Whitaker
|
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) No information provided |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) No information provided |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address North Carolina ICPC Unit ***Please email all documents to the office, do not send paper mail*** |
Federal Express Address North Carolina ICPC Unit ***Please email all documents to the office, do not send paper mail*** |
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline In State: 919-733-9467 |
Juvenile Compact Office Traci P. Marchand |
| Mental Health Compact Office No information provided |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
North Carolina permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | Yes |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
- Private Agency Adoption: NCGS § 48
- Private Attorney Adoption: NCGS § 48
- Independent Adoption: NCGS § 48
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
Child must be legally free for adoption.
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- After the adoption is finalized
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
No information provided
Special Needs
North Carolina definition of "Special Needs"
Conditions or diagnoses such as age, race, emotional or physical disorders, membership in a sibling group, a history of abuse, or other factors that may make a child hard to place.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in North Carolina, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 3 months
- Other
NCGS § 48 allows the court to waive the requirement.
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
NCGS § 48
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
NCGS § 48
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
NCGS § 48
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18 years/ participates in Extended Foster Care 18 to 21
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- NCGS§7B-1501
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Yes
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- Yes
Current Border Agreements with:
- Georgia
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
North Carolina requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
- Finger Print cards
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
- State
- Local
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
Supervising agencies conduct a local criminal history check through accessing the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Corrections Offender Population Unified System and submit the results of the criminal history checks to the licensing authority for foster parent applicants and other members (16 and older) of the household at the initial application and relicensure. To obtain Adam Walsh clearances and child protective services please see link. Requests For Information | NCDHHS
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
•Applicants are ineligible for licensure if they or a member of their household has ever been convicted of a felony involving:
(1) Child abuse or neglect;
(2) Spouse abuse;
(3) A crime against a child or children (including child pornography);
(4) A crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or
homicide but not including other physical assault or battery, or
• Has within the last five years been convicted of a felony involving:
(1) Physical assault;
(2) Battery; or
(3) A drug-related offense.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Custody Matters - NON ICPC
(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)
Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)
ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.
- Parent vs. Parent: No
- Third Parties: No
ICPC Offices will assist with referral:
- No
Custody Investigation
No information provided
Definitions
Relative is defined as a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister,uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Definitions
North Carolina General Definitions
Adoption
The act of creating a legal relationship between parent and child wehere it did not exist genetically.
Foster-Adopt-N/A
Foster Care
The continuing provision of essentials of daily living on a 24-hour basis for dependent, neglected, abused, abandoned, destitute, orphaned, undisciplined or delinquent children or other children who, due to similar problems of behavior or family conditions, are living apart from their parents, relatives, or guardians in a family foster home or residential child care facility. The essentials of daily living inlcude but not limited to shelter, meals, clothing, education, recreation, and individual attention and supervision.
Parent
The biological or adoptive parent or legal guardian, as determined by law.
Relative
The birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or grea grandparent, or as defined in state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Relative Foster Care
Relatives as defined above and who meet the foster care defintion.
Specific Definitions
Adoption
Means the act of creating a legal relationship between parent and child where it does not exist genetically.
The types of adoptions permitted by each state are governed by state law:
- Private Agency - are adoptions facilitated by a private licensed agency (i.e. domestic and international).
- Independent - are adoptions facilitated by an attorney, other intermediary, or adoption facilitator as defined by state law.
- Public - are adoptions facilitated by a public state or local agency and involve children who are in the custody of a state/local government agency.
Days
means “Calendar” (not business) days.
Foster - Adopt
N/A
Foster Care (Provider)
Any individual who is licensed by the State to provide foster care.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
Financial compensation from the placement agency for a child's room, board, and other living expenses. Sometimes there are supplemental payments for children with special needs.
Legal Risk Adoptions
A legal risk adoption, or a legal risk placement, is one where a prospective adoptive child is placed in your home although the child is not yet legally free to be adopted.
License/certification/approval
Means approval and or certification granted by the authority of a state regulatory agency.
Live Scan
An electronic computerized technology which digitally scans fingerprints and provides immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency.
Parent
is a biological, adoptive parent or legal guardian as determined by applicable State law and is responsible for the care, custody and control of a child or upon whom there is legal duty for such care.
Relative
A birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great including grand parent or great grandparent, or as defined in your state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Relative-Foster Care
Refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a licensed foster parent.
Public Education Costs
North Carolina charges for public education:
- Other: Please contact Department of Public Instruction at 919-807-3976
North Carolina charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Other: North Carolina is a state supervised county administered system; therefore the local agencies would collaborate on service provision. The sending state should be prepared to remit payment.
North Carolina charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Other: Same as above.
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
North Carolina permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in North Carolina as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
- Kin-Guardianship - State
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- Yes
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Other: No information provided
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- No waiting period
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- Other: Depends on if the child is receiving Medicaid in another state
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, North Carolina will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Yes: In some situations.
As the Sending State, North Carolina will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Other:
Yes, in some situations.
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- No information provided
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- After the adoption is finalized.
Foster Care Payments
No information provided
Special Education Payments
- Other: No information provided
Daycare Payments
- Yes
- Other
In some situations and would happen at the local level.
Kinship Program
No information provided
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Other: No information provided
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Copy of the foster home license from the receiving state; copies of fingerprint clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household; copies of child A/N clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household.
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Sending State’s rate
North Carolina foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| Family Foster Care Rates | Monthly Rates |
| Age 0-5 | $702 Monthly |
| Age 6-12 | $742 Monthly |
| Age 13 and up | $810 Monthly |
| Specialized/Therapeutic and Residential Care | Cost defined as contracted with North Carolina Child Placing Agency |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
Please refer to http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/licensing/fosterhome.htm
Training (Education and Training)
- Refer to link above
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
North Carolina conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
North Carolina designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Other: No, home studies are conducted by the county departments of social services and private child-placing agencies.
North Carolina considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 6 mos.
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, North Carolina will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
As the Receiving State, North Carolina will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Other: Yes, private agency must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Social Services, see http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/licensing/listings.htm
As the Receiving State, North Carolina will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will update
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: Yes
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- No
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, North Carolina requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit
- Does not seek such evidence
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : No information provided
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
A child's relatives (other than parents) is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in NC State statute for the purpose of foster care and adoptive placements.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : No information provided
North Carolina considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
North Carolina performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: N/A
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: 60 days, can vary based on specific case needs.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: N/A
North Carolina determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date of receipt is when the request reaches the NC State ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
North Carolina requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
North Carolina conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Criminal History | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L | |
| Criminal Background Check/Verification | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L | |
| Education and Training Verification | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L | |
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Medical plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | y | y | y | S,R,L |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
North Carolina determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date of receipt is when the request reaches the NC State ICPC Office.
North Carolina designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Other: No, home studies are conducted by the county departments of social services and private child-placing agencies.
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, North Carolina will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- No
Criminal Records Checks
North Carolina requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: N/A
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 months, varies.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
North Carolina offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 2-3months | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
North Carolina collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- ICPC Access Database
North Carolina collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- ICPC Access Database
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- No
North Carolina uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
North Carolina requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
North Carolina resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
North Carolina will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
OtherCopy of the foster home license from the receiving state; copies of fingerprint clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household; copies of child A/N clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household. - Foster Care
OtherCopy of the foster home license from the receiving state; copies of fingerprint clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household; copies of child A/N clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household.
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Copy of the foster home license from the receiving state; copies of fingerprint clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household; copies of child A/N clearance letters for applicants and adult (18 and over) members of the household.
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
Refer to http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/licensing/foster_care_rules.htm click on Rules
Foster Care Placements
No information provided
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 months, varies.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
North Carolina offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed
Parent Studies
North Carolina conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, North Carolina requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit
- Does not seek such evidence
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : No information provided
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
North Carolina performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: N/A
North Carolina determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date of receipt is when the request reaches the NC State ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
North Carolina requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 months, varies.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
North Carolina offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed
Relative Placements
North Carolina conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
A child's relatives (other than parents) is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in NC State statute for the purpose of foster care and adoptive placements.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : No information provided
North Carolina considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
North Carolina performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: N/A
North Carolina determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Other
Date of receipt is when the request reaches the NC State ICPC Office.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | ||
| Send home study report to Sending State | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
North Carolina requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 31-60 days
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 60 days
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
North Carolina requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | ||
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Other
3-6 months, varies.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 2 years
North Carolina offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherAs needed
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before North Carolina will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
Same as Regulation 4
Supervisory Reports
North Carolina Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
North Carolina will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Other : Until the ICPC case is closed and Until the age of Majority as defined by the Sending State.
North Carolina Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Other : Usually quarterly, or as requested.
North Carolina will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- Yes
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
A child's relatives (other than parents) is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in NC State statute for the purpose of foster care and adoptive placements.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- Yes : No information provided
North Carolina considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great, including grandparent or great grandparent, or as defined in state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
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