The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption

Stay updated on the most important change in international adoption in 20 years with AF's guide to the Convention. Read about its implementation and regulations and find links to reliable Hague news sources and other services.

What is the Hague Convention?

The Hague Convention:
In Treaty We Trust
AF's definitive guide to what you need to know about this important international treaty.

Q & A with Maura Harty
Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, is responsible for implementing the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in the U.S. Read what she has to say about the treaty.

More links and resources

Hague Conference on International Law
The official site of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

Service providers accredited to process adoptions from Hague countries
These agencies underwent a rigorous peer-reviewed process to demonstrate financial responsibility and ethical, transparent procedures.

U.S. Department of State
Find out about the treaty's laws, regulations, and implementation, and information about the accrediting entities.

Information for Prospective Parents
Download a 36-page PDF with frequently asked questions from the Department of State.

Hague Convention Countries and Hague Convention Status Table
A list of countries that have signed the Convention, and their ratification status.

The Council on Accreditation
The COA was named by the Department of State as the only national accreditor for Hague Convention Accreditation and Approval. Visit the COA website for more information on what the COA does or to make a public comment about an agency or service provider.

Have a question about the Hague?
To respond to inquiries from the adoption community, the Department of State has created a mailbox. Email your queries—and request to join the DOS Hague listserv—at adoptionusca@state.gov.

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