Georgia ICPC Office faces criticism over inconsistent adoption requirements and lengthy delays

The Senate Committee on Children & Families convened on June 11, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) in Georgia. The meeting highlighted ongoing frustrations from legal professionals and adoption agencies about recent changes in the ICPC process that have led to delays and inconsistencies in child placement across state lines.

The discussion began with a review of the ICPC's historical consistency, noting that the Georgia ICPC office had maintained the same operational standards since 2008 until changes were implemented in November 2023. These changes have introduced additional requirements that are not mandated by other states, leading to confusion and delays in the approval of adoption packets. Legal representatives expressed concern that the Georgia ICPC office's new checklist includes items not found in the standard Regulation 12, resulting in a lack of uniformity with other member jurisdictions.

Attorneys reported that the review process for adoption packets has become increasingly opaque, with initial reviews taking over a week and some cases experiencing delays of six to eight weeks or longer. They emphasized that the rationale behind these new requirements has not been clearly communicated, leading to speculation about potential issues such as trafficking, which they firmly denied having encountered in their practices.

The meeting also addressed the inconsistency in how provisional approvals are granted. For agency placements, provisional approval is often granted if medical records are requested, while independent adoptions face stricter scrutiny, causing significant delays due to the time it takes to obtain necessary medical documentation from hospitals.

Concerns were raised about the responsibilities placed on attorneys in the adoption process, particularly regarding the signing of documents that imply financial and planning responsibilities for children they do not legally represent. This has led to frustration among legal professionals who feel these requirements are unreasonable and hinder their ability to effectively advocate for their clients.

Moreover, the sharing of private information from ICPC packets with other agencies has raised alarms. Instances were reported where adoptive families were contacted by the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) without prior notice, causing distress among families who had already undergone thorough vetting processes.

The committee members were informed that Georgia's reputation as an adoption-friendly state is at risk, with attorneys and agencies from outside Georgia increasingly unwilling to assist local biological mothers and adoptive parents due to the complications arising from the ICPC process. This trend poses a significant barrier for families seeking to adopt and for biological parents looking to place their children in loving homes.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for clarity and consistency in Georgia's ICPC procedures to restore confidence in the state's adoption process. The committee plans to follow up on these issues to ensure that Georgia aligns with the standards set by other states, ultimately aiming to facilitate successful adoptions and protect the welfare of children involved in interstate placements.