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:
Pennsylvania
-
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 Wendy Lautsbaugh |
Deputy Compact Administrator Amy Rickert
|
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) Please provide ICPC case info electronically ONLY - do not mail anything Lauren Spadaccio [Initials G to O] Amy Rickert [Initials P to Z] |
Administrative Assistant (A-L) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q) - Residential & ICAMA Specialist Natalie (Primak) Mwaniki (Juveniles M thru Z) |
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) N/A |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address DO NOT send any documents by US mail, FedEx or UPS, we are teleworking since 3/16/2020 |
Federal Express Address DO NOT send any documents by US mail, FedEx or UPS, we are teleworking since 3/16/2020
|
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-932-0313 |
Juvenile Compact Office (717) 772-5505 |
| Mental Health Compact Office (717) 787-6443 |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
Pennsylvania permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | No |
| Independent | Yes |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
- Private Agency Adoption: Title 23 Pa.C.S. Chapter 25 subchapter A sec 2501
- Private Attorney Adoption: N/A
- Independent Adoption: 1 P.S. sec. 331.
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
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)
Special Needs
Pennsylvania definition of "Special Needs"
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in Pennsylvania, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
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
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- 42 Pa. C.S. Sec. 6302 and 62 P.S. Sec. 746
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Respite
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Yes
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- No
Current Border Agreements with:
- None - Not Applicable
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Parent
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster approved and/or certified. Foster-Adopt is a two step process.
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
- Other, specified below
Applicants who reside in Pennsylvania can register for their FBI criminal background check via the internet through Cogent Systems at
http://www.pa.cogentid.com/index.htm. However, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance checks are done by the applicant submitting a form called the CY113 by post office mail, which can be found by accessing the Department of Public Welfare’s website at http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/. The instructions for completing the form and the information for where to mail the form is also located on this website.
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- National
- State
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
Applicants who reside in Pennsylvania can register for their FBI criminal background check via the internet through Cogent Systems at
http://www.pa.cogentid.com/index.htm. However, the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance checks are done by the applicant submitting a form called the CY113 by post office mail, which can be found by accessing the Department of Public Welfare's website at http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/. The instructions for completing the form and the information for where to mail the form is also located on this website.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
Prohibited Offenses under Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses):
Chapter 25 (relating to criminal homicide)
Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault)
Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking)
Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping)
Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint)
Section 3121 (relating to rape)
Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault)
Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse)
Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault)
Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault)
Section 3126 (relating to indecent assault)
Section 3127 (relating to indecent exposure)
Section 4302 (relating to incest)
Section 4303 (relating to concealing death of a child)
Section 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children)'
Section 4305 (relating to dealing in infant children)
Section 5902 (b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses)
Section 5903 (c) (d) (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and
performances)
Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors)
Section 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children); or
An equivalent crime under federal law or the law of another state.
Any conviction of a felony offense under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, committed within the five-year period immediately preceding verification.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 4-7 days
- Local/County: Not Offered
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
- 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:
- Yes
Refer Cases To:Pennsylvania ICPC will forward referrals to the local public Child Protective Services agency when requested.
Custody Investigation
Yes, Pennsylvania ICPC will forward referrals to the local public Child Protective Service Agency.
Definitions
Pennsylvania Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption-Same
Foster-Adopt-same (must be approved and/or certified as a foster family first and then adoption request is made)
Foster Care-SameParent-Same
Relative-same (must become approved and/or certified foster family)
Relative Foster Care-Same
General Definitions
Adoption
is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. Adoption results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents and the placing of those responsibilities and rights onto the adoptive parents. After the finalization of an adoption, there is no legal difference between biological and adopted children.
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
is an individual who has been approved as a licensed foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.
Foster Care (Provider)
is any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the State Child Welfare Agency and placed by said division, or with its approval for temporary or long-term care but shall not include any person with whom a child is placed for the purpose of adoption. Foster home means and includes private residences that are licensed, or specialized group homes.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
means payments to cover the cost of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of institutional care, such term shall include the reasonable costs of administration and operation of such institution as are necessarily required to provide the items described in the preceding sentence.
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
is 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
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 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
Pennsylvania charges for public education:
- Other: Generally, Pennsylvania does not charge for public education. However, the sending state will be responsible for paying tuition charged by instititutions/facilities in our state. Sending states are respoonsible for the costs of private education.
Pennsylvania charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Other: The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education should be consulted for clarification/questions related to specialized education costs/services at 717-783-6913.
Pennsylvania charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Other: The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education should be consulted for clarification/questions related to specialized education costs/services at 717-783-6913.
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
Pennsylvania permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Pennsylvania as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making 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
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
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).
- Yes
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:
- No waiting period
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, Pennsylvania will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Yes: If resource does not qualify for benefits in the receiving State, each Pennsylvania local/county agency who is responsible for the child, determines the most effective way to provide coverage for that situation such as reimbursement of medical costs, purchase of a private medical insurance policy, etc.
As the Sending State, Pennsylvania will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- Other, please specify
Foster Care Payments
There is not a set Foster Board State rate. This varies between Pennsylvania local/county agencies.
Special Education Payments
- No
Daycare Payments
- No
Kinship Program
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster care approved.
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).
- Yes
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Documentation provided by the Sending State that serves as verifiable evidence that the child is IV-E eligible.
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
There is not a set Foster Board State rate. This varies between Pennsylvania local/county agencies
Pennsylvania foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare licenses placement agencies and facilities. Foster homes are approved by the licensed agency based on state standards. County Children and Youth Agencies in Pennsylvania are county administered/state supervised.
Training (Education and Training)
- At least 6 hours of pre-service training, but each county creates their own policies which may require additional hours of pre-service training.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
Pennsylvania conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
Pennsylvania designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- No
Pennsylvania considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 1 year
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Pennsylvania will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Yes
As the Receiving State, Pennsylvania will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Yes
As the Receiving State, Pennsylvania 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.
- Other: The licensed agency in Pennsylvania will update the home study as their own.
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
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:
- Yes
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, Pennsylvania requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Pennsylvania county agency will assess the parent's home and ability to provide care. Parent is also required to obtain updated criminal and child abuse checks. FBI check requirement is at discretion of our counties, but in accordance with their policies.
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
- PA WILL accept a parent home study request on the parent from whom the child was not removed (see ICPC Regulation 3 #3 b, last sentence "This would not prohibit a sending state from requesting an ICPC")
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Define Relative
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster care approved and/or certified.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Pennsylvania 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.)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Pennsylvania 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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
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):
- 60 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 60 days
Pennsylvania determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
- Other
Incoming mail is "date stamped" with date of receipt at ICPC office, so the date that is stamped on the request is considered our "date of receipt".
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 |
Criminal Record Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Parent
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster approved and/or certified. Foster-Adopt is a two step process.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 4-7 days
- Local/County: Not Offered
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
Pennsylvania conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
Pennsylvania determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
- Other
Incoming mail is "date stamped" with date of receipt at ICPC office, so the date that is stamped on the request is considered our "date of receipt".
Pennsylvania designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- No
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Pennsylvania will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Yes
Criminal Records Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Parent
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster approved and/or certified. Foster-Adopt is a two step process.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
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 |
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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 4-7 days
- Local/County: Not Offered
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Pennsylvania offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherEach Pennsylvania local agency determines how often to offer training.
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
Pennsylvania collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- Manually (By hand)
Pennsylvania collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- ICPC Access Database
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- No
Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
Pennsylvania resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
Pennsylvania will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
OtherThis is determined by the Pennsylvania local agency's policy regarding education and training. - Foster Care
OtherThis is determined by the Pennsylvania local agency's policy regarding education and training.
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Documentation provided by the Sending State that serves as verifiable evidence that the child is IV-E eligible.
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licenses placement agencies and facilities. Foster homes are approved by the licensed agency based on state standards. Children and youth services in Pennsylvania are county administered/state supervised.
Foster Care Placements
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licenses foster care agencies, both public and private, who have the authority to approve foster homes based on state standards. PA Kinship care policy requires that children placed into or out of PA with relatives must be placed in homes that meet foster care requirements of the receiving state.
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Pennsylvania offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherEach Pennsylvania local agency determines how often to offer training.
Parent Studies
Pennsylvania conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, Pennsylvania requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Pennsylvania county agency will assess the parent's home and ability to provide care. Parent is also required to obtain updated criminal and child abuse checks. FBI check requirement is at discretion of our counties, but in accordance with their policies.
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
- PA WILL accept a parent home study request on the parent from whom the child was not removed (see ICPC Regulation 3 #3 b, last sentence "This would not prohibit a sending state from requesting an ICPC")
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Pennsylvania 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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Pennsylvania determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
- Other
Incoming mail is "date stamped" with date of receipt at ICPC office, so the date that is stamped on the request is considered our "date of receipt".
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 |
Criminal Records Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Parent
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster approved and/or certified. Foster-Adopt is a two step process.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 4-7 days
- Local/County: Not Offered
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 4-7 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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
- 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:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Pennsylvania offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherEach Pennsylvania local agency determines how often to offer training.
Relative Placements
Pennsylvania conducts the following types of home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Adoption
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster care approved and/or certified.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Pennsylvania 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.)
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Pennsylvania 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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Pennsylvania determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
- Other
Incoming mail is "date stamped" with date of receipt at ICPC office, so the date that is stamped on the request is considered our "date of receipt".
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 |
Criminal Records Checks
Pennsylvania requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Parent
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster approved and/or certified. Foster-Adopt is a two step process.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: 4-7 days
- Local/County: Not Offered
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: 15-30 days
- Local/County: 4-7 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):
- Other: 3 to 6 months
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Pennsylvania 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 |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Signature verifying background check completed
- 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:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Pennsylvania offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherEach Pennsylvania local agency determines how often to offer training.
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before Pennsylvania 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
The prospective facility must be licensed or approved by the state in which it is located to provide the type of services requested on referrals. The placement must comply with the laws of the sending state and the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania will pay particular attention to ensure that Article VI requirements are met.
Supervisory Reports
Pennsylvania Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
Pennsylvania will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the ICPC case is closed
Pennsylvania Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Quarterly
Pennsylvania 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)
- Yes
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
Pennsylvania requires relatives to be foster care approved and/or certified.
Relatives must be licensed:
- Yes
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Pennsylvania 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.)
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