The Department of State is committed to upholding its obligations in support of the ethical standards, professional practices, and principles of the Hague Adoption Convention, the Intercountry Adoption Act (IAA) of 2000, the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA) of 2012, and their implementing regulations (22 CFR Part 96).

Complaints about Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Providers and/or their Supervised Providers

The Department of State established a Complaint Registry to allow individuals to register a complaint or concern regarding U.S. adoption service providers (ASPs) or their supervised providers in the United States or any other country.

Generally, prospective and adoptive parents must first address concerns directly with the ASP and file with the Complaint Registry if the ASP’s complaint process does not resolve the matter.

Complainants must provide specific information such as names, dates, places, and supporting documentation to assist the relevant Accrediting Entity determine whether the ASP’s or supervised provider’s actions may raise an issue of compliance with the Convention, the IAA, UAA, or its implementing regulations.

Once the complaint is received, the Accrediting Entity with jurisdiction over accrediting, approving, monitoring, and overseeing the ASP, will contact the complainant for further information and to provide any instructions regarding next steps.

Each Accrediting Entity maintains its complaints policy and procedures on its website:

•  Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity, Inc. (IAAME)
• Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS)

If the Accrediting Entity determines it cannot take action because the issues raised do not pertain to intercountry adoption laws, regulations, or standards, complainants may wish to consult the following additional resources:

• Adoption authorities in the country from which the child was or will be adopted (see “Contact Information” tab on the relevant country page)
• State Attorney General or law enforcement authorities
• ASP’s state licensing authority
• Better Business Bureau

Questions may be submitted to the Office of Children’s Issues, U.S. Department of State by email to AdoptionOversight@state.gov or directly to IAAME or CEAS.

Privacy

The Department of State is committed to ensuring that any personal information received by our overseas embassies and consulates pursuant to the registration of complaints received by the U.S. Central Authority, whether in person or otherwise, is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure.

AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 14901 et seq., 42 U.S.C. 14925, and 22 CFR Part 96. 

PURPOSE: The information solicited on this form will be used by the Accrediting Entity to review your complaint and by the Department of State in its role as the U.S. Central Authority and as part of its monitoring and oversight of the Accrediting Entity. 

ROUTINE USES: The Department of State will share the information on this form with an Accrediting Entity, which may share the information with the ASP who is the subject of the complaint if the complaint is accepted for review. The information may also be made available to state licensing, law enforcement, or other U.S. government agencies as needed. More information on applicable Routine Uses can be found in the Department of State System of Records Notice State-05, Overseas Citizens Services Records and Other Overseas Records. 

DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is voluntary. Failure to provide the information requested on this form may result in an Accrediting Entity being unable to initiate review of your complaint