The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption went into force in the United States on April 1, 2008. The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international agreement between participating countries on best adoption procedures. These procedures have basically two goals in mind:

• The best interest of children are considered with each intercountry adoption.
• The prevention of abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.

The Department of State is advising that prospective adoptive parents not initiate an adoption with Guatemala at this time. Guatemala did sign the Hague Convention on Adoption in March 2003, but has not implemented the Hague guidelines. Due to this the Department of State can not process or approve a Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as a an Immediate Relative from Guatemala at this time.

Regarding Guatemala adoptions that were initiated before December 31, 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala is working diligently to process the adoptions under the previous rules.

An updated list of the service providers that have been accredited/approved/temporarily accredited and will be able to work Hague adoptions and provide adoption services now that the Hague has entered into force are listed on the Department of State Web site. Those providers not accredited or approved by February 29, 2008, may still be added to the list if they are subsequently accredited or approved. Others may be removed if they do not comply with the Hague standards.

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• What Is the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption?
• Problems With Guatemalan Adoptions