The Department of State is committed to upholding its obligations in support of
the ethical standards, professional practices, and principles of the Hague Convention
on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention),
the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA), the Intercountry Adoption Universal
Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA), and their implementing Federal regulations (22 CFR Part 96).
Complaints about Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Providers and/or
their Supervised Providers
The Department of State established a Complaint Registry to allow individuals to register
a complaint or concern regarding U.S. adoption service providers (ASP) or their supervised
providers in the United States or any other country.
Generally, prospective and adoptive parents must first address concerns directly with the ASP
and file with the Complaint Registry if the ASP’s complaint process does not resolve the matter.
Complainants must provide specific information such as names, dates, places, and supporting
documentation to assist the relevant Accrediting Entity determine wither the ASP’s or
supervised provider’s actions may raise an issue of compliance with the Convention,
the IAA, the UAA, or their implementing regulations.
Once the complaint is received, the Accrediting Entity with jurisdiction over accrediting
or approving, monitoring, and overseeing the ASP will contact the complainant for
further information and to provide any instructions regarding next steps.
If the Accrediting Entity determines it cannot take action because the issues raised
do not pertain to intercountry adoption laws, regulations, or standards,
complainants may wish to consult the following additional resources:
The Department of State is committed to ensuring that any personal information received pursuant
to the registration of complaints received by the U.S. Central Authority, whether in person
or otherwise, is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure.
CONSENT: Please be advised that this is a Department of State system intended for official
U.S. Government work only. Use by unauthorized persons, or for personal business, is prohibited
and constitutes a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1030 and other Federal laws. You have
NO REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY while using this system. All data contained herein may be
monitored, intercepted, recorded, read, copied, or captured in any manner by authorized personnel.
System personnel or supervisors may give law enforcement officials any potential evidence of crime,
fraud, or employee misconduct found on this and all connected computer systems. Furthermore,
law enforcement officials may be authorized to access and collect evidence from this system.
USE OF THIS SYSTEM BY ANY USER, AUTHORIZED OR UNAUTHORIZED, CONSTITUTES EXPRESS CONSENT TO
THIS MONITORING.
AUTHORITIES: The information is sought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 14901 et seq.,
42 U.S.C. 14925, and 22 CFR Part 96.
PURPOSE: The information solicited on this form will be used by the Accrediting
Entity to review your complaint and by the Department of State in its role as the U.S.
Central Authority and as part of its monitoring and oversight of the Accrediting Entity.
ROUTINE USES: The Department of State will share the information on this form
with an Accrediting Entity and the Accrediting Entity may share the information with
the adoption service provider who is the subject of the complaint if the complaint is
accepted for review. The information may also be made available to state licensing,
law enforcement, or other U.S. government agencies as needed. More information on
applicable Routine Uses can be found in the Department of State System of Records
Notice State-05, Overseas Citizens Services Records and Other Overseas Records.
DISCLOSURE: Providing this information is voluntary.
Failure to provide the information requested on this form
may result in an Accrediting Entity being unable to initiate
review of your complaint.