If a Texas caseworker learns or suspects that a child has been placed across state lines without the approval of an interstate compact office, even if a judge has ordered the placement, the caseworker must immediately notify the Texas Interstate Compact Office (TICO) in writing about the placement.

Upon notification of the illegal placement, TICO contacts the sending state’s interstate compact office to determine whether the placement is subject to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

If the other state’s agency retains legal jurisdiction, TICO:

  •   asks the other agency for an interstate placement request; and

  •   refers the case to the appropriate regional office for a home screening and a placement recommendation.

Court Has Terminated Legal Jurisdiction

If the court in the other state has terminated its legal jurisdiction and given the child’s caregiver full legal custody, the placement is no longer subject to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

If, during the home screening process, the caseworker discovers that the other state’s jurisdiction has ended, the caseworker must:

  •   stop the home screening;

  •   notify the ICPC regional coordinator of the legal status; and

  •   send TICO a memorandum explaining the situation, along with a copy of the court order terminating the other agency’s jurisdiction (if available).

TICO closes the IMPACT case.