International trade · 15/02/2006

US Department of State Issues Final Rule on Accreditation and Approval of Agencies and Persons for Intercountry Adoptions

The US Department of State is issuing a final rule on accrediting and approving agencies and persons for intercountry adoptions, in line with the 1993 Hague Convention and the 2000 Intercountry Adoption Act, following public comments on a proposed rule from September 15, 2003. This new rule sets standards for accrediting entities, requirements for accrediting entities, and a framework for the Department's oversight of accrediting entities, agencies, and persons, a necessary step towards bringing the Convention into force for the US.