Listed below are the steps that must be followed to comply with the requirements of the Interstate Compact.

Step 1: Decision to place child out-of-state

Either the local court or social services program determines that the child would be best-served by being placed out-of-state.

Step 2: Request for Interstate Placement

The local social services program completes the ICPC form 100A. This form identifies the child, as well as who is responsible for the child, the proposed placement information, current legal status of the child, and what type of services are being requested of the receiving state.

Step 3: Transmit form to the sending state's ICPC administrator

Upon completion of the ICPC 100A form, the social services program delivers the form to its state's compact administration office.

Step 4: Form review and transmission to receiving state

The ICPC office administrator for the sending state reviews the 100A form. If satisfied with the information provided, the administrator sends the form to the receiving state's ICPC program administration office.

Step 5: Review form and transfer to local social services program

The ICPC program administrator in the receiving state reviews the form and, if satisfied with its content, passes the information on to the local social services program to address the form's requested information.

Step 6: Evaluation and reporting decision

The receiving state's social services program completes a home study on the requested placement, evaluates what they have found, and decides if the placement will be allowed.

Step 7: Report decision

The social services program reports its findings to the ICPC program administration office.

Step 8: Communication of decision to sending state

The receiving state's ICPC administrator reviews the social services report and recommendations. The administrator determines whether the placement would be in the best interests of the child and transmits that information to the sending state's ICPC administration office.

Step 9: Communication of decision

The sending state's ICPC office administrator informs the local social services program about the results of the receiving state's home study.

Step 10: Notification of local court

The social services program reviews the receiving state's information and determines whether to request child placement in the receiving state. The social services program then informs the sending court of the results of the out-of-state placement home study and the court determines whether the placement is in the best interests of the child.

Once a child is placed in another state, similar lines of communication must be followed for case monitoring and support. This communication continues until the child returns to the sending state or the child is placed permanently in the receiving state.