The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention) is an international agreement to safeguard intercountry adoptions. Concluded on May 29, 1993 in The Hague, the Netherlands, the Convention establishes international standards of practices for intercountry adoptions. The United States signed the Convention in 1994, and the Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008. Read the full text of the Convention.

Spence-Chapin is a Hague accredited agency which means we facilitate Hague adoptions and provide Hague home study services. In order to receive Hague Accreditation, Spence-Chapin must meet certain international standards. In addition, the three countries where Spence-Chapin has established international adoption programs (South Africa, Colombia, Bulgaria) have all signed the Hague Convention and are also audited annually to ensure proper adherence to standards.

Spence-Chapin does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, genetics, genetic predisposition or carrier status, HIV status, marital or partnership status, familial or caregiver status, or any other legally protected status.

Spence-Chapin respects and adheres to the specific eligibility requirements of the countries where we work. To find out more about each country’s specific eligibility requirements, please visit the specific pages for the South Africa, Bulgaria, and Colombia programs.