The Convention, which concluded in 1993, provided the first framework for Convention countries to work together to ensure that intercountry adoptions were occurring in the best interests of children. The Convention also seeks to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children in association with intercountry adoption. Ultimately, the principles of the Convention are to strengthen the protections for all members of the adoption triad (children, birth parents, and prospective adoptive parents).

The United States began the process of joining the Convention by signing in 1994. On September 20, 2000 the U.S. passed the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, which allowed for the implementation of The Convention. In 2006 the Federal Register published the standards and regulations for intercountry adoptions between the U.S. and other Hague Convention countries. A major part of the standards include an accreditation process for all international adoption agencies wishing to provide adoption services in Convention Countries.

Villa Hope International Adoption Agency has worked hard for the past twenty years to provide services that surpass expectations of performance and quality assistance throughout the adoption process. The agency was one of 230 adoption agencies in the United States that applied for accreditation from The Convention. “We are thrilled to see that our efforts and work have been well received and that the State Department and COA has found Villa Hope worthy to be among the first accredited international adoption agencies,” says Executive Director, Anne Baldwin, LGSW.

The agency eagerly awaits the commencement of The Convention’s programs. Villa Hope is looking forward to the many opportunities that will present themselves through this accreditation and the ability to support and guide families and children through a safe journey of adoption.