Normally, a child needs to remain in the state if the case plan is to reunify the child with family.
The agency may approve the relocation of a foster child when you are moving out–of-state and you want to bring the child with you. However, the reasons for the child’s move must be consistent with the child’s permanent plan and cannot interfere with reunification efforts between the child and the child’s parent.
Alaska and the state you are moving to enter into a formal agreement in which Alaska retains legal custody and responsibility for financial supports.
The state you are moving to is responsible for assisting you with their licensing process and placement services. This agreement process is mandated by the federal Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Each state has a compact administrator who is available to assist you.
The ICPC process is in place for any child who must move from one state to another, and the child is not in the care and custody of a parent. Therefore, children in DJJ or OCS custody or children who are placed outside of their parents’ homes will require ICPC approval.
Foster care rates and payments are the responsibility of the state that maintains legal custody of the child. The foster care reimbursement rate will be the normal rate established by the state you will be living in.
When you arrive in the new state, you are expected to obtain the foster home license of that state if you wish to continue receiving foster care reimbursements. When you move, your Alaska foster care license is closed; however, you qualify for temporary reimbursement based on your Alaska foster care license. You have 30 days of vacation time and 30 days to relocate, for a total of 60 days. If you are actively involved in obtaining the new license or completing the adoption process, the 60 days can be extended to 120 days.
Children on Alaska Medicaid will usually qualify for the Medicaid of the new state, but this is not always the case. There are times when our agency will need to arrange for individual agreements with medical, dental and mental health providers so that the providers can bill Alaska Medicaid or bill the state agency directly. There may also be a transition period when our agency will need to reimburse you for costs of medical care.
If the child is taking prescribed medications, be sure to obtain at least a two-month supply prior to your move to cover the transition of Medicaid services to the new state.
Before you leave Alaska, make sure the assigned worker has provided you with a copy of the child’s birth certificate, and social security card.
It is also a good idea to have a document that states that the child is placed with you for the purposes of foster care or adoption, and that you are authorized to transport the child and obtain medical care for the child.
If traveling through Canada, ensure that you have proper documentation, including a passport (if flying, or birth certificate if traveling by car) for the child.
The State of Alaska and the state you are moving from enter into a formal agreement. The state you are moving from must retain legal custody and responsibility for financial supports. Alaska is responsible for assisting you with the licensing process and providing placement services. This agreement process is mandated by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Each state has a compact administrator who is available to assist you.
In 2009, the Alaska Legislature passed HB 141 into law. The bill adopts a new agreement that guides and facilitates the movement of adjudicated juveniles across state lines.
The Juvenile Compact is a contract between states:
For more information, contact the DJJ Deputy Compact Administrator at 907-465-2212.