Federal laws provide overarching standards with which State adoption laws must comply. New Federal legislation generally obligates States to enact new laws. In some cases of intercountry adoption, international treaty requirements regulate adoption as a result of the United States becoming party to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption (Hague Convention). This international treaty implements safeguards for all parties in adoptions involving countries that have joined the Convention.
In this section you will find links to Federal laws relating to adoption. Resources include summaries of major Federal legislation that has influenced adoption practice, listed with the most recently enacted law first.
Domestic laws
Series Title | Factsheets |
Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability | View Download (PDF - 453KB) Order (Free) |
Year Published | 2019 |
Intercountry adoption laws
FAQ: Child Citizenship Act of 2000
U.S. Department of State
Provides information about this law, which allows certain foreign-born adopted people to become automatic U.S. citizens when they entered the United States, eliminating the legal burden of naturalization for intercountry adoptions.
Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-279)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Describes the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, which implements the Hague Adoption Convention in the United States. Intercountry Adoption: Laws
U.S. Department of State
Provides information about laws governing intercountry adoption.
Intercountry Adoption: Laws
U.S. Department of State
Provides information about laws governing intercountry adoption.