Impact of Ratification of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption on African Nations (2012)

Undergraduate: Morgan Abbott

Faculty Advisor: Pamela Jagger
Department: Public Policy

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As legislation regarding adoption faces increased scrutiny, it is increasingly important to accurately document information regarding adoptions and external factors that contribute to adoption rates or successes. This paper explores the effects of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect to Intercountry Adoption on adoptions in Africa. Specifically, the paper examines differences in intercountry adoption trends between Hague and non-Hague African countries, analyzing shifts that occurred with the United States ratification of the Hague Convention in 2007. Results demonstrate that adoptions from Hague signatory countries in Africa are fewer than non-Hague African countries due to the increased time required and regulations encountered to process an adoption. The final component of the paper analyzes, compares, and comments on the various factors resulting in a recent significant shift in American-Kenyan adoption policy throughout the past five years. The paper explores the United States’ rationale behind halting adoptions and then reopening adoptions from Kenya. This paper examines the role of the Hague Convention in the United States’ and Kenya’s shifts in adoption policy as both countries seek to most fully comply with the Hague Convention regulations. Finally, the paper suggests potential improvements in the Kenyan-American adoption process that balance the best interests of the children and the accessibility of intercountry adoptions.