U.S. Department of State Hosts Symposium on Intercountry Adoption

On September 16-18, 2019, the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs hosted a symposium in Washington, D.C., entitled “Strengthening Practice for the Future of Intercountry Adoption.” The three-day symposium brought together approximately 125 adoption service providers, non-governmental organizations, birth parents, adoptive parents, adult adoptees, and Congressional staff to discuss policies and best practices on intercountry adoption. The event provided an important opportunity for the Department to engage with the adoption community and to improve cooperation and information sharing on a range of issues of mutual concern. Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Carl Risch delivered keynote remarks on the role of the U.S. government and highlighted the collaboration that makes intercountry adoptions possible. Visit adoption.state.gov for Assistant Secretary Risch’s full remarks as prepared for delivery.

Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from abroad. Intercountry adoption is one of the U.S. Department of State’s highest priorities. The Department works to ensure that adoption services are ethical and transparent and remain a viable option for children in need of permanent homes when it is in the best interest of the child.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs coordinates intercountry adoption policy for the Department, engages actively with foreign governments on adoption related issues, and provides information to the public on adoption and immigration procedures for children adopted abroad. More information on intercountry adoption is available on adoption.state.gov.

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