Finding Permanent Homes for Adoptable Children - Pepperdine ...

the creative spirit, but it also maintains local accountability. A superior method when working with a
framework that is case specific is one that formulates solutions at the source of the problem, not a blanket
uniform solution. The level of flexibility offered by a local system best meets local needs.
Restructuring the ICPC and maintaining the reciprocal state agreement is both economically and
politically viable. Although both options require consensus and legislative approval, the system already
proven effective will more smoothly pass through the legislative approval process. The ICPC continues
to place children while a federal system remains questionable. Option two provides suggestions to revise
the compact and thereby the procedure, accepting current process and offering short-term remedies while
revision awaits approval. If the federal approach is embraced but fails to pass with legislative approval,
the foster care system may fill beyond capacity; interstate placements then having nowhere to rest.
Taking into account our current economic recession, the political priorities and the receptiveness of the
American public to new and broad sweeping policies, there seems to be little room for anything beyond
revisions to the current system. Moreover, those working with the ICPC understand the hesitation
articulated above. Susan Quash-Mah 33 , Patti Colston, and Jackie Rodriguez 34 all agree that the system
works in part, that is to say that it does not need a complete overhaul, rather revisions to the existing
framework serve as the best answer to the problems discussed throughout this report. It goes without
saying that if those within the ICPC system do not support the plan to fix it, any hope of improvement is
minimal. Option two incorporates suggestions made by child welfare professionals and the expectation is
that this option will enjoy the support of these professionals.
Disadvantages of Reforming the Existing ICPC
The greatest negative aspect of revising the current ICPC framework is the heterogeneity of the entire
system. A framework based on local control will have variation in requirements and definitions, which is
inherently less efficient. With a non-uniform system, any level of enforceability is much more difficult,
because enforceability requires a monitoring system with significant resources. Additionally, the
proposed amendments will add another layer to an already complicated process.
The current framework also has a history of lacking funding. Ms. Grant maintains that her largest
problem with interstate adoption is fiscal support for new programs when her budget for recruitment is
approximately $50,000 annually. Although restructuring the ICPC requires public agencies to expend
33 Quash-Mah, Susan Baxter and Patti Colston. Project Coordinator and Community Education Coordinator for the
Implementation of Collaborative Planning to Increase Inter-Jurisdictional Adoptions Project. Personal Interview on March 7,
2003.
34 Rodriguez, Jackie. ICPC Coordinator, Sacramento, California. Phone Interview on March 10, 2003.
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