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US Rep. Smith Schedules Tuesday Hearing to Examine Status and Framework for U.S. Implementation of Hague Convention on International Adoptions

Contact: Kirsti Garlock, House Committee on International Relations, 202-225-5021

 

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is a formal international agreement designed to ensure transparency in adoptions to prevent trafficking, kidnapping, smuggling and baby-selling. The United States has signed the Convention and is moving toward formal ratification in 2007. The "Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000" (IAA) is the implementing mechanism established to carry out the functions required under the Convention.

 

A regulatory framework is currently being put in place to comply with the provisions of both the Convention and the IAA to move the United States toward formal ratification.

 

The United States adopts more children from abroad than all other countries combined. Formal ratification of the Convention will make the best interests of the child the paramount consideration in adoption and will bring much needed transparency to the proceedings in order to protect the birthparents and the prospective adoptive parents.

 

What: Subcommittee Oversight Hearing: Hague Convention on International Adoptions: Status and the Framework for Implementation

 

Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations

 

U.S. Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.), chairman

 

When: Tuesday, Nov. 14,  10 a.m.

 

Where: Room 2172 Rayburn House Office Building

 

Witnesses: Panel I: Catherine Barry, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizens Services, United States Department of State; Lori Scialabba, associate director, Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, United States Department of Homeland Security; Panel II: Richard Klarberg, president and CEO, Council on Accreditation; Dana Andrews, Colorado Department of Human Services; Panel III: Thomas DiFilipo, president and CEO, Joint Council on International Children's Services; Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption.