To support the viability of intercountry adoption as a permanent option for children in the Dominican Republic, the Office of Children’s Issues and the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo sought information from the Dominican Central Authority regarding its legal requirements for the authorization of adoption service providers (ASP), pursuant to Article 12 of the Hague Adoption Convention.

The Dominican Republic ratified the Convention on September 22, 2006, and it entered into force on March 1, 2007.  

ASPs with questions about the information below or about pursuing authorization in the Dominican Republic should contact the Dominican Central Authority, Consejo Nacional para la Niñez y la Adolescencia (CONANI), Av. Máximo Gómez esq. República de Paraguay # 154 Ensanche La Fe (Frente a la Bomba Esso) Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

Phone: 809-567-2233 (Office of Adoptions, ext. 1157)

Email: adopciones@conani.gob.do

Website: www.conani.gob.do

Foreign adoption agencies must be authorized by CONANI.  The authorization is valid for one year and must be renewed annually in order to continue working in the Dominican Republic.

The requirements for authorization are:

1) Present a formal request in writing to CONANI,

2) Provide documentation of the ASP’s legal establishment.

3) Provide certification of accreditation in the country of origin.

4) Provide the ASP’s profile/organization chart and its main members.

5) Give the geographical location of the ASP.

6) Describe the ASP’s experience in adoption matters.

7) Describe other countries with which ASP has worked.

8) Provide a power of attorney for representation in the Dominican Republic.

All required documentation must be translated into Spanish

The person designated as the power of attorney must be approved by CONANI and have legal experience including experience in family law, intercountry adoption as well as binding agreements.  They must also have knowledge of the legislation of the receiving country or have a direct commitment for joint collaboration.

The Adoption Oversight Division in the Office of Children’s Issues can provide an accreditation verification letter to satisfy part 3 of the Dominican requirements.  ASPs may email ASPadoption@state.gov to request this official communication.

For additional information, ASPs may wish to review the Dominican Republic country information page.