On the morning of December 12, 2007, the United States finally deposited our instrument of ratification of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption in the Hague, Netherlands.

The United States is now a full member of the Hague Adoption Convention, which will enter in force for the U.S. on April 1, 2008.  As of that date, pursuant to the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, the Convention will govern all intercountry adoptions between the United States and other member countries.

Only accredited agencies will be able to approve families for an international placement.  If you are considering an international adoption in 2008 or later, be certain to ask any agency you are contemplating working with about their Hague accreditation.

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