NYHOMESTUDY BLOG

The Hague Complaint Registry (HCR) is online and ready for use on the Consular Affairs public website at: Haque Complaint Registry

The Hague Complaint Registry was established to receive and maintain records of complaints about accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies and approved persons, (”accredited adoption service providers”) who provide adoption services in connection with adoption cases covered by the Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention in accordance with Federal Regulations, 22 CFR 96.70. With the HCR now available online, the public may submit complaints under certain circumstances about accredited adoption service providers. The complaints will be made available to the appropriate Accrediting Entity for processing. Parties to a Convention adoption case who have complaints must first submit the complaint in writing to the primary provider or to the agency or person providing the adoption service. If the complaint cannot be resolved directly with the accredited ASP or if the ASP fails to take the action necessary to resolve the complaint, individuals may then file a complaint with the HCR. An individual who is not a party to a specific Convention adoption case, a Federal State or local government official, or a foreign Central Authority may file a complaint directly with the HCR.

If you have a complaint, you may report it to the U.S. Department of State by clicking on the link labeled “Complaint Form” on the front page of the HCR site at the URL listed above. Resolution of complaints accepted by the HCR is the responsibility of the relevant Accrediting Entity. Individuals should also report issues concerning adoption service providers to the relevant State adoption agency licensing authority. If you find that you are not able to submit your complaint on the HCR form or if you have any questions related to filling out the HCR form, please feel free to contact the Department of State at AdoptionUSCA@state.gov.