What is a Primary Provider in International Adoption?
International adoption, also known as intercountry adoption, can feel like stepping into a whole new world. A world filled with unfamiliar terms, layers of regulations, and a network of professionals all playing different roles. It is essential for any family starting the journey of international adoption or even families who have acted on their own behalf and finalized an adoption in another country to understand the various roles professionals play. One key term that often pops up early (and raises questions) is “Primary Provider.” What does it mean, and why is it so important?
Defining a Primary Provider
A Primary Provider is an accredited agency or approved person responsible for overseeing and ensuring that the six adoption services are performed properly and ethically in compliance with the Hague Adoption Convention and the U.S. Universal Accreditation Act of 2012. They are also responsible for identifying the domestic or foreign agency or institution that will provide each of the adoption services. Every international adoption (whether a Hague or Non-Hague country) requires an Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider to serve as the Primary Provider.
These six adoption services include:
- Identifying a child for adoption and arranging an adoption
- Securing the necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption
- Performing a home study and reporting on the prospective adoptive parents
- Making non-judicial custody determinations
- Monitoring the case after the child has been placed with the prospective adoptive parents until the final adoption
- Ensuring that all required steps for the child to legally immigrate to the U.S. are completed
Even when multiple organizations participate in the adoption process—such as home study providers or in-country representatives—only one agency or individual serves as the Primary Provider. The approved agency or individual takes full legal responsibility for the entire adoption process, as required by the U.S. Department of State.
By overseeing all aspects of the adoption, the Primary Provider helps protect the rights and well-being of the child, as well as the adoptive parents. This oversight is crucial in preventing any potential abuses or irregularities in the adoption process.
Hague Accreditation and the Primary Provider
For adoptions from countries that are part of the Hague Adoption Convention, an entity authorized by the U.S. Department of State must accredit or approve the Primary Provider. This ensures they meet rigorous standards for ethics, transparency, and child welfare.
Families adopting from non-Hague countries are also required to use an accredited or approved Primary Provider, but the process and oversight may vary depending on the country of origin and U.S. immigration requirements.
Why It Matters to Families
Having a designated Primary Provider provides a safeguard for families and children alike. Here’s why it’s important:
- Accountability: The Primary Provider is responsible for coordinating every part of the adoption, ensuring legal and ethical compliance throughout.
- Oversight: U.S. law mandates that Hague-accredited agencies meet strict performance and ethical standards. This helps protect children and families from fraud or unethical practices.
- Support: The Primary Provider serves as the family’s main point of contact. They guide them through documentation, travel, immigration steps, and post-placement requirements.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Primary Provider
Choosing your Primary Provider is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your adoption journey. Here are a few questions to consider in the beginning of your international adoption journey:
- Do you hold Hague accreditation or approval under the Universal Accreditation Act (UAA)?
- What countries do you currently serve? Do you have experience in the country we are adopting from?
- How do you collaborate with in-country partners or other agencies?
- What support do you provide before, during, and after the adoption?
- Do you conduct home studies in our state, or will we need to work with a separate agency for that?
- Can you serve as the Primary Provider if we are working with another agency for the home study?
- Can you provide a detailed breakdown of all fees and expenses?
- Do you offer or require pre-adoption education or training?
- What kind of post-adoption support or reporting do you provide or require?
- Do you help with immigration paperwork and citizenship documentation?
- Do you offer support for parent-identified or relative adoptions?
What if I acted on my own behalf and have already finalized an adoption in my country of origin?
Families may act on their own behalf in adopting from their country of origin.
State Department Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 – Excerpt from State Department: You may still act on your own behalf in your own adoption case if permitted under the laws of the state in which you reside and the laws of the country in which you seek to adopt. Although you do not need accreditation or approval to act on your own behalf, your actions need to comply with applicable law, and you will still need to work with an accredited agency or approved person to act as the primary provider in your case.
A primary provider helps to ensure that non-Convention adoption services are provided reflecting the same standards of practice and ethical conduct as in Convention cases. The Department strongly recommends working with an accredited or approved adoption service provider that will act as primary provider from the outset of each intercountry adoption case. Proceeding with your intercountry adoption case without an accredited or approved primary provider may delay or impede the completion of the case and may increase the overall cost of the case.
Family Resource Center (DBA Adoption Center of Illinois) has been Hague-accredited since 2008, This accreditation allows us to act as an accredited Adoption Service Provider (ASP) for international adoptions: Hague adoptions, non-Hague adoptions, Incoming adoptions, and Outgoing adoptions. Our most recent accreditation was approved on September 6, 2024. We have experience in serving as Primary Provider for international adoption cases of finalized parent-initiated and relative adoptions. Family Resource Center (DBA Adoption Center of Illinois) has served as Primary Provider for families adopting from several countries, including Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Algeria, and Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
The term “Primary Provider” may sound technical. Nevertheless, this step plays a vital role in ensuring that international adoptions occur safely, legally, and in the best interest of the child. Understanding this role helps families make informed decisions and enter the adoption process with greater clarity and confidence.
For adoptive families, a Primary Provider is an essential partner in the international adoption journey. Their expertise, ethical oversight, and ongoing support help ensure a smooth, legal, and successful adoption process, providing peace of mind and confidence to families as they welcome a new member into their lives. Therefore, if you’re considering international adoption, make sure to verify that your Primary Provider is Hague-accredited. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Transparency and trust are key components of a successful and ethical adoption experience.
Jane has been with Adoption Center of Illinois since January of 1990, when she began as one of the organization’s first home study workers. She holds a master’s degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago and is a licensed social worker. Over the years Jane has been involved in every aspect of the agency; Domestic Adoption, International Adoption, Waiting Child Services Program and has a leadership role in the agency’s burgeoning Post-Adoption Services Program. Jane served as Executive Director from 2016 until 2024. She is now serving as a Program Coordinator, with a focus on our International Adoption Programs.