A dozen Florida and Georgia border counties have signed an agreement making it easier for children removed from parents or guardians to be placed with relatives in the other state.

The Florida Department of Children and Families and Georgia Department of Human Services announced the agreement Wednesday. An existing compact adopted by all 50 states requires a lengthy process to relocate foster children to another state.

The agreement among the 12 counties is expected to allow for such placements in as little as a week. It applies only to children removed because of abuse or neglect.

The Florida counties are Baker, Clay, Columbia, Duval and Nassau.

The Georgia counties are Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Chatham, Glynn, McIntosh and Ware.

Tags: Glynn County, McIntosh County, Camden County, Charlton County, Ware County, child abuse, Georgia Department of Human Services, child neglect, Brantley County