This morning the United States ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in the Netherlands. 70 other nations have already committed to standardized polices and procedures regarding adoption by being a part of the Hague Treaty and now the US joins these other countries as a member. The policies that are a part of the treaty are designed to protect children, birth parents and adoptive parents from corruption, child trafficking, and abduction. The treaty will enter into force on April 1, 2008. The State Department, the central authority for the US as part of the Convention requirements, sets ethical practices, makes sure children are cleared for adoption, and that birth parents have been properly counseled before choosing adoption.

Sources:
U.S. Joins Overseas Adoption Overhaul Plan - The New York Times
U.S. Hague Convention Ratification - The State Department

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Related Article:
What Is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?