In accordance with federal law, the court of original jurisdiction (the court in the sending state) retains jurisdiction over the case. The receiving state has no legal authority over the child(ren), except to provide supervision and services as specified in the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) agreement (KRS 615.030).
For out-of-state children placed in Kentucky, it is recommended that after six (6) months of supervision, the Kentucky SSW recommend that the sending state seek permanency, if the child has adjusted well to the placement. This recommendation is documented in the ICPC Quarterly Progress Report. Once an adoption is finalized, or a new custodian is established, the ICPC case may be closed.
Jurisdiction may be terminated by the court when the child:
- Is adopted;
- Reaches the age of majority according to the laws of the sending state; or
- Is discharged from the custody/commitment of the sending state with concurrence of the ICPC Office in the receiving state.
If the child/youth is discharged without an adoption, a new order to a new custodian should be made, if the child/youth has not reached the age of majority.
All states require approval from both state’s ICPC offices prior to the dismissal of custody/commitment of a Kentucky child placed out-of-state.