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State Laws on Intercountry Adoption
The term intercountry adoption is used when the adopting family and the birth family live in different countries. These adoptions involve State laws, Federal immigration law, and the laws and adoption policies of the other country.
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Access the Child Welfare Information Gateway State Statutes Series by title, or search statutes by individual States on issues related to child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption.
State Statutes Series
| State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad | |
| Series Title: | State Statutes |
| Author(s): | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability: | View Download (PDF - 348KB) |
| Year Published: | 2011 - 46 pages |
| Discusses the requirements and restrictions set by the Federal Government and by States that apply to adoptions finalized in another country by U.S. citizens. In order for a child who has been adopted abroad to enter the United States, the adoptive parents must fulfill the requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the foreign country in which the child resides, and sometimes the adoptive parents' State of residence. This factsheet addresses recognition of intercountry adoption decrees, readoption in the United States, and application for a U.S. birth certificate. | |
Related resources
Final Rule: Intercountry Adoption—Department Issuance of Certificates in Hague Convention Adoption Cases
Department of State
Federal Register, 71(212), 2006
The final rule (22 CFR Part 97) establishes procedures for applying to the State Department for certificates (when an adoption has been finalized) and declarations (when custody for purposes of adoption has been granted) for Convention adoptions involving the emigration of a child from the United States.
Intercountry Adoption
Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State
Presents an index of resources describing the requirements and types of assistance available to persons interested in intercountry adoption.
Joint Council on International Children's Services
Works to promote ethical practice, strengthen professional standards, and track legislative trends.