COA began accepting applications for Hague Accreditation in the Fall of 2006, and completed the first cycle of accreditation by February 2008. Just over 300 providers applied during that time and over 220 adoption service providers have achieved Hague Accreditation or Approval.  Adoption service providers may apply for Hague Accreditation or Approval at any time. A list of Hague Accredited/Approved providers is available on the Department of State's website at www.adoption.state.gov. 

For More Information

• If you would like more information about Hague Accreditation or Approval please contact COA's Hague Accreditation Project Manager at jschmidt@coanet.org or 866-262-8088 ext. 203.
• If you would like to know if an adoption service provider has a pending application for Hague Accreditation or Approval, please email your inquiry to jschmidt@coanet.org or 866-262-8088 ext. 203.
• Complaints about Hague Accredited and Approved providers must be submitted to the Hague Complaint Registry. If you would like more information on how to file a complaint about a Hague Accredited or Approved provider or to access the Complaint Registry go to the Department of State website at http://adoptionusca.state.gov/HCRWeb/WelcomeForm.aspx.

The Hague Convention
The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) is an international treaty created to ensure that intercountry adoptions are in the best interests of children and to prevent abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.  The Convention generally requires that agencies and persons be accredited or approved to provide adoption services for intercountry adoptions when both countries involved are parties to the Convention.  The United States signed this treaty in March 1994.  For more information about the Convention and an up-to-date list of countries that are parties to the Convention, please visit the website for the Hague Conference on Private International Law at http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.text&cid=69

The Intercountry Adoption Act

The Intercountry Adoption Act (IAA) was passed in October 2000, and serves as the implementing legislation for the United States.  The IAA names the U.S. Department of State (State Department) as the Central Authority for the United States and the federal agency responsible for implementing the Convention.  The IAA requires agencies and persons providing adoption services in cases involving Convention countries to be accredited or approved.  The State Department is required under the IAA to develop agreements with accrediting entities to conduct the accreditation and approval of adoption service providers.

The Hague Regulations

The Department of State issued the final rule (Hague Regulations) that govern the accreditation and approval process on February 15, 2006.  The final rule establishes:

• the accreditation and approval standards for agencies and persons;
• requirements applicable to potential accrediting entities; and
• a framework for the Department's oversight of accrediting entities, agencies, and persons.