The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention) is a multilateral treaty between the United States and about 75 other countries that went into force for the United States on April 1, 2008. The Convention provides safeguards for children and families involved in adoptions between participating countries and also works to prevent the abduction, sale, or trafficking of children. This section contains resources about the Convention for professionals involved in intercountry adoption.
Convention Countries
U.S. Department of State
Lists countries that are parties to the Convention and explains that intercountry adoptions between the United States and Convention countries must follow Convention adoption procedures.
A Guide for Social Workers Under the Hague Adoption Convention
U.S. Department of State
Serves as a general guide for social workers to understand elements of the accreditation and approval regulations under the Convention that might be of particular interest.
Laws
U.S. Department of State
Lists and provides links to full text of important laws and regulations governing intercountry adoption, including the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000.
Accreditation
Accredited Agencies
U.S. Department of State
Lists adoption service providers in connection with Convention adoption cases.
Becoming Accredited
U.S. Department of State
Provides information for individuals and agencies on becoming accredited to provide intercountry adoption services under the Convention.
Council on Accreditation
Describes one of the two agencies designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Hague accrediting entity.
Hague Accreditation
U.S. Department of State
Explains Hague accreditation and eligibility for accreditation.