Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force

April 1, 2008

Today, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption enters into force in the United States.

The provisions of the Hague Convention now govern both incoming and outgoing intercountry adoptions between the United States and other Convention countries.

The Hague Convention establishes international norms and procedures for processing intercountry adoption cases involving more than 70 Convention member countries. It mandates safeguards to protect the interests of children, birth parents, and adoptive parents. It also provides that member nations recognize adoptions that take place within other Convention countries.

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