Social Workers
Each year the United States welcomes more children into homes than any other nation in the world. Over the last decade, Americans adopted nearly 200,000 children from abroad. This could not have been possible without the dedication of so many social workers who help ensure that children are being adopted into loving homes.
Throughout our site, you will find varied information that touches upon many different aspects of the intercountry adoption process. As the Central Authority for the Hague Adoption Convention, consider us your first stop for questions about the Convention, accreditation, and its impact on the adoption process.
- Find out who we are. What is the role of the Office of Children's Issues in the intercountry adoption process?
- Read our information about the Hague Adoption Convention. Learn about conducting home studies for Convention adoptions. What does it mean to be an exempted provider? What is a supervised provider?
- Keep up-to-date on the list of Convention countries and accredited/approved adoption service providers.
- Refer prospective adoptive parents to our About Adoption section. This section provides prospective adoptive parents with a general overview of the eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents and the intercountry adoption process in general.
- Research intercountry adoption statistics.
We appreciate the commitment that you have to assisting children and prospective adoptive parents. We are here to help.
Publications
- Guide for Social Workers to the Hague Adoption Convention
- Chart Comparing Hague and Non-Hague Adoption Process
- FAQ - Conducting Home Studies for American Citizens Residing Abroad in Incoming/Immigrating Convention Cases
- FAQ - Primary Providers
- Hague Accreditation Technical Guidance (PDF)
- Intercountry Adoption From A-Z
Helpful Links
U.S. Government
- Centers for Disease Control International Adoption Health Information
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Children's Issues
- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- AdoptUsKids
- Child Welfare information Gateway
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)
Other Helpful Links
- Adoptive Families Magazine
- Adoptive Parents Committee
- American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA)
- Child Welfare League of America
- The Center for Adoption Support and Education
- Dave Thomas Foundation
- Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
- International Social Services
- Joint Council on International Children's Services (JCICS)
- National Adoption Center
- National Council for Adoption (NCFA)
- North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.