ADOPTION BY CHOICE - HAGUE ACCREDITATION

The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption began in the mid 1990’s as an agreement between participating countries that began addressing a number of goals in the area of international adoption. The primary goal was the establishment of standardized policies and practices that safeguard the protection of children, birthparents, and adoptive parents involved in international adoptions. Americans adopt more foreign-born children every year than any other country in the world. It became apparent that agencies who wanted to continue their work in foreign adoptions would have to subscribe to the Convention’s mandates.  As an agency committed to providing the best services to our Rhode Island and Massachusetts adoption communities, Catholic Social Services felt it imperative to join this effort.

Over 300 U.S. agencies initially applied for full or temporary accreditation.  Catholic Social Services was among the first 150 approved agencies listed on the U.S. Department of State’s website who received accreditation! Part of the guidelines for the Hague Convention on International Adoption ensures that one Central Authority is in place in each country – the Department of State is the U.S. Central Authority for the Convention. To see Catholic Social Services of Fall River, Inc. listed in the first round of accredited agencies was indeed a proud moment for members of the CSS adoption staff: Program Coordinator, Elaine Abdow; Social Worker, Susan Levin; Support Staff, Pauline DeGagne; and Executive Director, Arlene McNamee. The staff will dedicate a lot of time and energy over the next two years to achieving full accreditation.

As the United States is now a full member of the Hague Adoption Convention, which will enter into force for the U.S. on April 1, 2008, we are proud to have completed this process so we may continue our work under the auspices and direction of this important and historic legislation.