In 2008, Adoption ARK was honored with full Hague Accreditation. This accreditation is an acknowledgement of our ethical commitment to our clients and, most importantly, the children that need our help.
"Receiving accreditation will enable us to serve children in other countries, countries that have implemented the Hague Treaty on Intercountry Adoption. Being able to work in these countries means that we can expand our humanitarian aid programs and reach more children than before." said Elina Filippova, CEO of Adoption ARK.
Elena Karadjova, Adoption ARK's Executive Director adds , "Adoption ARK is very honored to receive this validation, from the COA and from our colleges, in regards to our adoption efforts."
On April 1, 2008, the Hague Convention went into effect in the United States. The main purpose of the Hague Convention is to insure that adoption takes place in the best interest of the child while protecting the rights of the child, birthparents and adopting parents. Having accreditation means that Adoption ARK meets the high standards set forth by the Council of Accreditation in respect to international adoption.
If you are considering international adoption then most likely you have ran across the words “Hague Convention” or “Hague Accreditation”. However, many of the parents I talk to have no idea what that is or how it affects adoption. Information on the internet is sometimes confusing and differs from website to website.
The Hague Conference on Private International Law is the preeminent organization in the area of private international law. “Hague Convention” is short for Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. This agreement was drafted by representatives from 66 countries and enacted on May 1, 1995. In 2000 President Clinton signed the Intercountry Adoption Act (IAA) which outlined future plans to ratify the Hague Convention in the United States. The main objectives of the Convention are:
• To establish safeguards to ensure that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights as recognized in international law;
• To establish a system of co-operation amongst Contracting States to ensure that those safeguards are respected and thereby prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children;
• To secure the recognition in Contracting States of adoptions made in accordance with the Convention.
The IAA named The U.S. Department of State as the Central Authority for the Hague Convention. In February 2006 the Department of State began accepting applications for accreditation from U.S. adoption agencies. This is a lengthy and laborious process for both the State Department and the applying agencies. Therefore, the implemented guidelines will not take effect until 2008. Accredited Agencies are expected to be announced in December 2007.
Why choose to work with an agency that is accredited in the United States?
As of April 1, 2008, only adoption service providers who have been accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved by the Counsel Of Accreditation will be able to provide adoption services for Hague adoption cases. Having Hague Accreditation means that the adoption agency meets the ethical and procedural guidelines set forth in the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.
Does it cost more to adopt through a Hague Accredited Agency?
The adoption fees at Adoption ARK did not change when the Hague convention went into effect on April 1, 2008. Having accreditation should have little or no impact on an adoption agency's fees.
What countries are partner to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
For a list of partnering countries please click here to visit the State Department website on International Adoption.
Can all accredited adoption service providers work in
every country?
Each Convention country has the right to determine which accredited adoption service providers it will permit to perform adoption services in its country. Therefore, adoption agencies working in Hague countries will need to have approval from the country and Hague Accreditation.