US: Intercountry Adoption: Regulatory Changes to Accreditation and Approval Regulations in Intercountry Adoption (Press release)
U.S. Department of State – July 12, 2024
The Department of State (the Department) publishes a final rule revising the Code of Federal Regulations to amend requirements for accreditation and approval by the United States to provide adoption services in intercountry adoption cases. This rule amends regulations to provide clarification, updates, or other adaptation of familiar accreditation and approval standards for intercountry adoption. It also includes a new section with alternative procedures for primary providers that apply in intercountry adoption by relatives. The new regulations for adoption by relatives simplify and streamline the adoption process by limiting the number of adoption services the primary provider must provide. The final rule emphasizes that accredited agencies and approved persons comply with all applicable laws in foreign countries where they provide adoption services.