Hague Convention and International Adoption Programs

Concluded on May 29, 1993 in The Hague, the Netherlands, the Convention establishes international standards of practices for intercountry adoptions. The United States signed the Convention in 1994, and the Convention entered into force for the United States in April 2008. Hague Adoption Convention governs adoptions between the United States and approximately 75 other nations. Here are some facts about the Hague Convention according to the Depart of State:

1. The Department of State is the U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Convention, and oversees compliance with both the Convention and the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA).  In this role, the Department of State also serves as U.S. liaison with other adoption Central Authorities around the world.  
2. The Hague Adoption Convention protects children and their families against the risks of unregulated adoptions abroad, and ensures that intercountry adoptions are in the best interests of the children involved. The Convention also serves to prevent the abduction, sale of, or traffic in children.

Although not every country involved in international adoption is a part of the Hague Convention, the goal is for every country to eventually adhere to the Hague convention regulations.

Here are the lists of various countries that are frequently identified with international adoption. To find out more about that countries program simply click on the name of the country and you will be taken to the Department of State website to learn more information about that program. 

Hague Accredited:

China

Guatemala

India

Kazhakstan

Not Hague Accredited:

Ethiopia

Haiti

Nepal

Russia

Vietnam**Currently suspended**

Although 99% of adoptive parents have good intentions in adoption and are putting forth the interest of the child first, it is important for both countries involved to thoroughly investigate the adoption parents to assure this is the bet placement for the child. 

Educational Links:

Department of State overview of International adoption and the Hague Convention

Adoption alerts and notices regarding various countries and their programs

Guide for prospective adoption parents

"At that point the child is eligible for adoption and can be placed with a family that can love the child and can raise the child." ~ Henry Ford