NYHOMESTUDY BLOG

Hague Countries
by
Miriam Vieni, L.C.S.W.
www.nyhomestudy.com
www.nyhomestudy.com/miriam-vieni.htm
www.nyhomestudy.net
miriamvieni@optonline.net

You have read recently that the Hague Treaty on International Adoptions came into force in the U.S. on April 1, 2008. Our whole international adoptions system has been affected by the regulations associated with this treaty. However, only adoptions from countries that have ratified the treaty are affected. And of all the countries that have ratified the treaty, U.S. citizens adopt from only a few. Following is a list of countries from which Americans are either currently adopting or have adopted in the past. Be aware that even though a country is listed, adoptions may not be open in that country at the present time. Further, if adoptions are open, you’ll need to find a U.S. accredited agency that is also accredited in that country. This list may change over time so when you choose a country and agency, check to be sure whether the country has ratified the treaty. I am not listing all of the countries that ratified the treaty because many of them are “receiving” countries rather than “sending” countries in relation to U.S. citizens.

Belaruse
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Hungary
India
Latvia
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovenia
Sri Lanka
Uruguay
Venezuela

Because I have heard that Colombia and Paraguay have been implementing the treaty, I wonder why they are not included on the list. It is also my understanding that Guatemala has been taking steps toward ratification.

People adopting from a Hague country will need to secure an I-800A form and an I-800 form from the U.S. Citizens” Immigration Service. You need to go to http://www.uscis.gov/i-800a
The I-800A form is complex so you will probably require assistance from your placement agency or your home study social worker.