,i  #aac? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 
,r4 #ccbc  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(           
,,repres5tatives  ,octob] #bc1 #bjac,ms4
 ,grang] 7= h]self1 ,mrs4 ,ba*mann1     
,mrs4 ,black1 ,mr4 ,diaz-,bal>t1 ,mr4   
,franks ( ,arizona1 ,mr4 ,olson1 ,mr4   
,s5s5br5n]1 ,ms4 ,bass1 ,ms4 ,bonamici1 
,ms4 ,eddie ,b]nice ,johnson ( ,texas1  
,mr4 ,braley ( ,i[a1 ,mrs4 ,brooks (    
,indiana1 ,mr4 ,coop]1 ,mr4 ,doggett1   
,mr4 ,israel1 ,ms4 ,jackson ,lee1 ,mr4  
,langev91 ,mr4 ,murphy ( ,florida1 ,mr4 
,sires1 & ,mr4 ,takano7 introduc$ !     
foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to !          
,committee on ,=eign ,affairs1 & 9      
addition to ! ,committee on ! ,judici>y1
 = a p]iod to be subsequ5tly det]m9$ by 
! ,speak]1 9 ea* case = consid]ation (  
su* provisions z fall )9 ! jurisdiction 
( ! committee conc]n$  ,a ,,bill  ,to   
realign /ructures & reallocate res\rces 
9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 9 keep+ ) ! core  
,am]ican belief t families are ! be/    
protection = *ildr5 & ! b$rock ( any    
society1 to bol/] ,unit$ ,/ates         

diplomacy & assi/ance t>get$ at ensur+ t
 e *ild c gr[ up 9 a p]man5t1 safe1     
nurtur+1 & lov+ family1 & to /r5g!n     
int]c\ntry adoption to ! ,unit$ ,/ates &
 ar\nd ! _w & ensure t x becomes a      
viable & fully develop$ option = provid+
 families = *ildr5 9 ne$1 & = o!r       
purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title2 table (     
cont5ts  7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may  
be cit$ z ! ,*ildr5 9 ,families ,fir/   
,act ( #bjac4  7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,!  
table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 
,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table (          
cont5ts4,sec4 #b4 ,f9d+s2 purposes4,sec4
 #c4 ,def9itions4,title ,i--,realignm5t 
( c]ta9 int]national *ild welf>e        
responsibilities & functions,sec4 #aja4 
,e/abli%m5t ( ,bureau ( ,vuln]able      
,*ildr5 & ,family ,security 9 !         
,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate4,sec4 #ajb4           
,responsibilities ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & 
,immigration ,s]vices = accr$itation (  
adoption s]vice provid]s4,sec4 #ajc4    
,transf] ( functions & sav+s            
provisions4,sec4 #ajd4 ,responsibilities

 ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & ,immigration     
,s]vices = adoption-relat$ case         
process+4,title ,,ii--,annual           
reporting,sec4 #bja4 ,annual report on  
*ildr5 liv+ )\t families4,sec4 #bjb4    
,c\ntry reports reg>d+ sev]e =ms (      
traffick+4,title ,,iii--,promotion ( a  
compreh5sive approa* = *ildr5 9         
adversity,sec4 #cja4 ,e/abli%m5t ( a    
,,usaid ,c5t] = ,excell5ce = ,*ildr5 9  
,adv]sity4,title ,,iv--,fund+ &         
effective dates,sec4 #dja4 ,fund+4,sec4 
#djb4 ,effective dates4  #b4 ,f9d+s2    
purposes  7a7 ,f9d+s ,congress makes !  
foll[+ f9d+s3 7#a7 ,! p ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates recognize & believe t *ildr5 mu/ 
gr[ up 9 p]man5t1 safe1 & nurtur+       
families 9 ord] to develop & ?rive4     
7#b7 ,sci5ce n[ proves conclusively t   
*ildr5 suff] imm$iate1 la/+1 & 9 _m     
cases irrev]sible damage f "t sp5t liv+ 
9 in/itutions or outside ( families1    
includ+ r$uc$ bra9 activity1 r$uc$ ,,iq1
 small] bra9 size1 & inability to =m    
emotional bonds ) o!rs4  7#c7 ,gov]nm5ts

 9 o!r c\ntries seek models t promote ! 
placem5t ( *ildr5 :o are liv+ outside   
family c>e 9 p]man5t1 safe1 & nurtur+   
families1 r ?an 9 fo/] c>e or           
in/itutions1 b _m gov]nm5ts lack !      
res\rces or infra/ructure to adequately 
address ?is ne$4  7#d7 ,despite ! good  
ef=ts ( c\ntless gov]nm5ts &            
nongov]nm5tal organizations1 millions ( 
*ildr5 rema9 unc\nt$ & outside ( !      
protection1 nurtur+ c>e1 p]man5ce1      
safety1 & love ( a family4 ,)\t ! c>e ( 
a family1 ^! *ildr5 are =c$ to live on !
 /reets1 9 in/itutions1 9 paid fo/] c>e1
 9 *ild-head$ h\seholds1 9 gr\p homes1  
or z h\sehold s]vants4  7#e7 ,no        
reliable data curr5tly exi/s to def9e & 
docum5t ! numb] & ne$s ( *ildr5 9 ! _w  
curr5tly liv+ )\t families1 b available 
evid5ce demon/rates t !re are millions (
 *ildr5 9 ?is situation ne$+ imm$iate   
help4  7#f7 ,! ,decemb] #bjab ,action   
,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity commits !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t to a*iev+ a _w 9
 :i* all *ildr5 gr[ up )9 protective    

family c>e & free f deprivation1        
exploitation1 & dang]4 ,to effectively &
 effici5tly accompli% ?is goal1 x is    
necess>y to realign ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,gov]nm5t's curr5t op]ational sy/em =   
assi/+ orphans & vuln]able *ildr51 &    
process+ int]c\ntry adoptions4  7#g7    
,all options = provid+ appropriate1     
protective1 & p]man5t family c>e to     
*ildr5 liv+ )\t families mu/ be consid]$
 concurr5tly & p]man5t solutions mu/ be 
put 9 place z quickly z possible4       
,solutions include family pres]vation & 
reunification1 k9%ip c>e1 gu>dian%ip1   
dome/ic & int]c\ntry adoption1 & o!r    
culturally acceptable =ms ( c>e t w     
result 9 appropriate1 protective1 &     
p]man5t family c>e4 ,pref]5ce %\ld be   
giv5 to options t optimize *ild be/     
int]e/s1 :i* g5]ally means options :i*  
provide *ildr5 ) fully protect$ legal   
/atus & p>5ts ) full legal /atus z      
p>5ts1 includ+ full p>5tal rights &     
responsibilities4 ,! pr9ciple (         
subsidi>ity1 :i* gives pref]5ce to      

9-c\ntry solutions1 %\ld be implem5t$ )9
 ! context ( a concurr5t plann+ /rategy1
 explor+ 9- & out-(-c\ntry options      
simultane\sly4 ,if an 9-c\ntry placem5t 
s]v+ ! *ild's be/ int]e/ & provid+      
appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t c>e  
is n quickly available1 & su* an        
int]national home is available1 ! *ild  
%\ld be plac$ 9 t int]national home )\t 
delay4  7#h7 ,significant res\rces are  
already d$icat$ to int]national         
assi/ance = orphans & vuln]able *ildr51 
& a relatively small portion ( ^!       
res\rces c be reallocat$ to a*ieve m    
timely1 effective1 nurtur+1 & p]man5t   
familial solutions = *ildr5 liv+ )\t    
families1 result+ 9 few] *ildr5         
worldwide liv+ 9 in/itutions or on !    
/reets1 m families pres]v$ or reunifi$1 
& increas$ dome/ic & int]national       
adoptions4  7b7 ,purposes ,! purposes ( 
?is ,act are-- 7#a7 to support ! core   
,am]ican value t families are ! b$rock (
 any society2  7#b7 to protect !        
fundam5tal human "r ( all *ildr5 to gr[ 

up )9 ! lov+ c>e ( p]man5t1 safe1 &     
nurtur+ families2  7#c7 to address a    
critical gap 9 ,unit$ ,/ates =eign      
policy implem5tation by adju/+ ! ,f$]al 
,gov]nm5t's int]national policy &       
op]ational /ructures s t seek+ p]man5t  
families = *ildr5 liv+ )\t families     
receives m prom95ce1 focus1 & res\rces  
7?r\gh ! reallocation ( exi/+ p]sonnel &
 res\rces72  7#d7 to h>ness ! diplomatic
 & op]ational p[] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,gov]nm5t 9 ! int]national sph]e by     
help+ to id5tify & implem5t timely1     
p]man5t1 safe1 & nurtur+ familial       
solutions = *ildr5 liv+ )\t families1   
includ+ refugee or /ateless *ildr52     
7#e7 to ensure t int]c\ntry adoption by 
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5s becomes a viable &
 fully develop$ option = creat+ p]man5t 
families = *ildr5 :o ne$ !m2  7#f7 to   
protect aga9/ abuses ( *ildr51 bir?     
families1 & adoptive p>5ts involv$ 9    
int]c\ntry adoptions1 & to ensure t su* 
adoptions are 9 ! individual *ild's be/ 
int]e/s2 &  7#g7 to h>monize & /r5g!n   

exi/+ int]c\ntry adoption processes "u  
,unit$ ,/ates law-- 7,a7 by ensur+ t !  
same set ( proc$ures & crit]ia gov]n    
suitability & eligibility det]m9ations =
 prospective adoptive p>5ts seek+ to    
complete int]c\ntry adoptions1 :e!r or n
 ! *ild is f a =eign /ate t is a p>ty to
 ! ,hague ,adoption ,conv5tion2 &  7,b7 
by align+ ! def9itions ( eligible *ild =
 ,conv5tion adoptions & non-,conv5tion  
adoptions to ! maximum ext5t possible4  
#c4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3 7#a7       
,action plan = *ildr5 9 adv]sity ,! t]m 
,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity     
means ! policy docum5t entitl$ ,unit$   
,/ates ,gov]nm5t ,action ,plan on       
,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity3 ,a ,framework =    
,int]national ,assi/ance3 #bjab-bjag1   
releas$ on ,decemb] #ai1 #bjab4  7#b7   
,appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t     
family c>e ,! t]m appropriate1          
protective1 & p]man5t family c>e means a
 nurtur+1 lifelong1 commitm5t to a *ild 
by an adult1 or adults ) p>5tal roles & 
responsibilities t-- 7,a7 provides      

physical & emotional support2  7,b7     
provides ! *ild ) a s5se ( belong+2 &   
7,c7 g5]ally involves full legal        
recognition ( ! *ild's /atus z *ild ( ! 
p>5ts & ( ! p>5ts' rights &             
responsibilities reg>d+ ! *ild4  7#c7   
,c5tral au?ority ,! t]m c5tral au?ority 
has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section #c ( ! 
,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #adijb74  7#d7 ,*ildr5 9      
adv]sity ,! t]m *ildr5 9 adv]sity means 
*ildr5 liv+ inside or outside ( family  
c>e :o are depriv$1 exclud$1 vuln]able1 
or at risk = viol5ce1 abuse1            
exploitation1 or neglect4  7#e7         
,conv5tion adoption ,! t]m ,conv5tion   
adoption has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9       
section #c ( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption    
,act ( #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adijb74    
7#f7 ,conv5tion c\ntry ,! t]m ,conv5tion
 c\ntry has ! mean+ giv5 ! t]m 9 section
 #c ( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act (    
#bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adijb7 & = :i* !  
,hague ,adoption ,conv5tion has ent]$   
into =ce4  7#g7 ,gu>dian%ip ,! t]m      

gu>dian%ip means a p]man5t legal        
relation%ip betwe5 an adult & a *ild1   
:]eby ! adult is lawfully inve/$ ) !    
p[]1 & *>g$ ) ! duty1 ( tak+ c>e ( !    
*ild4 ,:ile "s =ms ( gu>dian%ip are n   
truly p]man5t1 ! =m ( gu>dian%ip ref]r$ 
to & support$ "u ?is ,act is p]man5t    
gu>dian%ip4 ,a ,kefala ord] issu$ by a  
c\ntry t foll[s traditional ,islamic law
 does n qualify z an adoption "u ,unit$ 
,/ates law1 b may be a =m ( gu>dian%ip 9
 "s circum/ances4  7#h7 ,habitual       
resid5ce det]m9ation ,! t]m habitual    
resid5ce det]m9ation means a factual    
det]m9ation ( :]e a prospective adoptive
 p>5t 7or p>5ts7 resides & :]e ! *ild   
resides = purposes ( an int]c\ntry      
adoption case4  7#i7 ,hague adoption    
conv5tion ,! t]m ,hague ,adoption       
,conv5tion means ! ,conv5tion (         
,protection ( ,*ildr5 & ,coop]ation 9   
,respect ( ,int]c\ntry ,adoption1       
conclud$ at ,! ,hague ,may #bi1 #aiic4  
7#aj7 ,k9%ip c>e ,! t]m k9%ip c>e means 
! full "t c>e1 nurtur+1 & protection (  

*ildr5 by relatives1 memb]s ( _! tribes 
or clans1 godp>5ts1 /epp>5ts1 or any    
adult :o has a k9%ip bond ) a *ild1 s   
long z ^? p]sons h ! capacity &         
commitm5t to function z true p>5ts = !  
*ild on a p]man5t basis4 ,x does n      
include paid k9%ip fo/] c>e4  7#aa7     
,non-conv5tion adoption ,! t]m          
non-,conv5tion adoption means-- 7,a7 an 
adoption by ,unit$ ,/ates p>5ts ( a *ild
 f a non-,conv5tion c\ntry 9 accordance 
) subp>agraph 7,f7 ( section            
#aja7;b77#a7 ( ! ,immigration &         
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4         
#aaja7;b77#a772  7,b7 an adoption by    
,unit$ ,/ates p>5ts ( a *ild "u ! laws (
 ! *ild's c\ntry ( orig9 7g5]ally :5 !  
p>5ts are liv+ 9 ! *ild's c\ntry ( orig9
 & !re=e able legally to complete a     
dome/ic adoption72 or  7,c7 9 c]ta9     
circum/ances 7g5]ally ) respect to      
relative adoptions or adoptions by dual 
national p>5ts71 an adoption by ,unit$  
,/ates p>5ts ( a *ild f a ,conv5tion    
c\ntry if t c\ntry all[s legal & valid  

adoptions to take place outside ! scope 
( ! ,conv5tion4  7#ab7 ,non-conv5tion   
c\ntry ,! t]m non-,conv5tion c\ntry     
means a c\ntry 9 :i* ! ,hague ,adoption 
,conv5tion has n ent]$ into =ce1        
reg>dless ( :e!r or n t c\ntry has sign$
 ! ,conv5tion4  7#ac7 ,unp>5t$ *ildr5 ,!
 t]m unp>5t$ *ildr5 means *ildr5 lack+ !
 legal1 p]man5t1 safe1 & nurtur+ c>e ( a
 p>5tal figure or figures1 ei!r inside  
_! c\ntry ( orig91 9 ! c\ntry ( _!      
habitual resid5ce1 or else:]e1 reg>dless
 ( _! lawful or unlawful immigration    
/atus 9 _! curr5t c\ntry ( resid5ce4    
7#ad7 ,vuln]able *ildr5 ,! t]m vuln]able
 *ildr51 consi/5t ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,ag5cy = ,int]national ,developm5t's    
def9ition1 means *ildr5 & y\? :o are "u 
#ah ye>s ^: safety1 well-be+1 gr[?1 &   
developm5t are at significant risk due  
to inadequate c>e1 protection1 or access
 to ess5tial s]vices4  ,i ,realignm5t ( 
c]ta9 int]national *ild welf>e          
responsibilities & functions  #aja4     
,e/abli%m5t ( ,bureau ( ,vuln]able      

,*ildr5 & ,family ,security 9 !         
,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate  7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,!re 
is e/abli%$ )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate !    
,bureau ( ,vuln]able ,*ildr5 & ,family  
,security 7ref]r$ to 9 ?is ,act z !     
,,vcfs71 :i* %all be locat$ 9 !         
,secret>iat = ,civilian ,security1      
,democracy & ,human ,rights & %all      
promote & support ! foll[+ activities3  
7#a7 ,! developm5t & implem5tation 9    
=eign c\ntries ( *ild welf>e laws1      
regulations1 policies1 be/ practices1 & 
proc$ures 9 keep+ ) ! goals articulat$ 9
 ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity1 
includ+-- 7,a7 ! s\nd developm5t (      
*ildr5 ?r\gh ! integration ( heal?1     
nutrition1 & family support2  7,b7      
support+ & enabl+ families to c>e =     
*ildr5 ?r\gh family pres]vation1        
reunification1 & support ( k9%ip c>e1   
gu>dian%ip1 & dome/ic & int]c\ntry      
adoption2 &  7,c7 facilitat+ ! ef=ts (  
national gov]nm5ts & p>tn]s to prev5t1  
respond to1 & protect *ildr5 f viol5ce1 
exploitation1 abuse1 & neglect4  7#b7   

,address+ ! gap 9 ,unit$ ,/ates         
,gov]nm5t diplomacy1 policy1 & op]ations
 ) respect to promot+ appropriate1      
protective1 & p]man5t family c>e =      
*ildr5 liv+ )\t families by e/abli%+ )9 
! ,,vcfs a ,s5ior ,coord9ator =         
,p]man5ce1 :o-- 7,a7 %all occupy at lea/
 a ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y-level    
position 9 ! ,,vcfs2 &  7,b7 %all lead !
 developm5t & implem5tation ( policies t
 w ensure ! timely provision (          
appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t      
family c>e = *ildr5 liv+ )\t families1  
includ+ refugee & /ateless *ildr51 ?r\gh
 ! full cont9uum ( p]man5ce solutions1  
includ+ family pres]vation &            
reunification1 k9%ip c>e1 gu>dian%ip1 & 
dome/ic & int]c\ntry adoption4  7b7     
,assi/ant ,secret>y  7#a7 ,appo9tm5t ,! 
,,vcfs %all be head$ by an ,assi/ant    
,secret>y1 :o %all be appo9t$ by !      
,presid5t by & ) ! cons5t ( ! ,s5ate4   
7#b7 ,qualifications ,! ,assi/ant       
,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 h exp]i5ce 9 !    
developm5t ( policies & sy/ems & !      

implem5tation ( programs t promote !    
goals ( ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9     
,adv]sity2  7,b7 be kn[l$geable (       
int]national *ild welf>e1 family        
p]man5ce1 & family creation ?r\gh       
dome/ic & int]c\ntry adoption2 &  7,c7  
be committ$ to develop+ an integrat$    
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t approa* to      
int]national *ild welf>e t places equal 
emphasis on-- 7i7 e>ly *ildhood survival
 & developm5t2  7ii7 family p]man5ce2 & 
7iii7 protection f abuse & exploitation4
  7#c7 ,au?ority ,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y 
%all report to ! ,"u ,secret>y =        
,civilian ,security1 ,democracy & ,human
 ,rights4  7#d7 ,increase 9 au?oriz$    
assi/ant secret>y positions  7,a7       
,am5dm5t to ,/ate ,dep>tm5t ,basic      
,au?orities ,act ( #aief ,section       
#a7;c77#a7 ( ! ,/ate ,dep>tm5t ,basic   
,au?orities ,act ( #aief 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 
#bfea;a7c77#a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ n m   
?an #bd ,assi/ant ,secret>ies & ins]t+ n
 m ?an #be ,assi/ant ,secret>ies4  7,b7 
,am5dm5t to title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates     

,code ,section #ecae ( title #e1 ,unit$ 
,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+         
,assi/ant ,secret>ies ( ,/ate 7#bd7 &   
ins]t+ ,assi/ant ,secret>ies ( ,/ate    
7#be74  7c7 ,functions  7#a7 ,advisory  
,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all s]ve z a    
prim>y advisor to ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate & 
! ,presid5t 9 all matt]s relat$ to      
vuln]able *ildr5 & family security 9    
=eign c\ntries4  7#b7 ,diplomatic       
repres5tation ,subject to ! direction ( 
! ,presid5t & ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 & 9  
consultation & coord9ation ) ! ,s5ior   
,coord9ator = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national    
,developm5t1 & ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&    
,security1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all   
repres5t ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9 matt]s       
relevant to int]national *ild welf>e1   
family pres]vation & reunification1 &   
provision ( p]man5t1 safe p>5tal c>e    
?r\gh k9%ip1 dome/ic & int]c\ntry       
adoption 9-- 7,a7 contacts ) =eign      
gov]nm5ts1 nongov]nm5tal organizations1 
int]gov]nm5tal ag5cies1 & specializ$    

ag5cies ( ! ,unit$ ,nations & o!r       
int]national organizations ( :i* !      
,unit$ ,/ates is a memb]2  7,b7         
multilat]al conf]5ces & meet+s relevant 
to family pres]vation1 reunification1 & 
creat+ appropriate1 protective1 &       
p]man5t c>e = unp>5t$ *ildr52 &  7,c7   
fulfillm5t ( ! diplomatic               
responsibilities designat$ to ! c5tral  
au?ority "u title ,i ( ! ,int]c\ntry    
,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4   
#adiaa et seq471 z am5d$ by ?is ,act4   
7#c7 ,policy developm5t ) respect to    
p]man5ce = unp>5t$ *ildr5  7,a7 ,9 g5]al
 ,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all-- 7i7      
develop & advocate = policies &         
practices to ensure t *ildr5 9 =eign    
c\ntries :o are liv+ )\t families f9d   
appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t      
family c>e :i* is 9 ! be/ int]e/ ( ea*  
*ild2  7ii7 give consid]ation to family 
pres]vation & reunification1 k9%ip c>e1 
gu>dian%ip1 & dome/ic & int]c\ntry      
adoption2 &  7iii7 seek to develop &    
implem5t policies t lead to ! use ( all 

options = provid+ appropriate1          
protective1 & p]man5t family c>e to     
*ildr5 liv+ )\t families z quickly z    
possible4  7,b7 ,be/ int]e/ det]m9ation 
,9 c>ry+ out subp>agraph 7,a71 !        
,assi/ant ,secret>y %all give pref]5ce  
to options t optimize ! be/ int]e/s (   
*ildr51 includ+ options :i* provide     
*ildr5 ) fully protect$ legal /atus z   
*ildr5 & p>5ts ) full legal /atus z     
p>5ts1 includ+ full p>5tal rights &     
responsibilities4  7,c7 ,subsidi>ity ,! 
pr9ciple ( subsidi>ity1 :i* gives       
pref]5ce to 9-c\ntry solutions1 %\ld be 
implem5t$ )9 ! context ( a concurr5t    
plann+ /rategy1 explor+ 9- &            
out-(-c\ntry options simultane\sly4 ,if 
an 9-c\ntry placem5t s]v+ ! *ild's be/  
int]e/s & provid+ appropriate1          
protective1 & p]man5t c>e is n quickly  
available1 & su* an int]national home is
 available1 ! *ild %\ld be plac$ 9 t    
int]national home )\t delay4  7,d7 ,be/ 
practices ,9 develop+ policies &        
programs "u ?is ,act1 ! ,assi/ant       

,secret>y %all id5tify & utilize        
evid5ce-bas$ programs & be/ practices 9 
family pres]vation & reunification &    
provision ( p]man5t p>5tal c>e ?r\gh    
gu>dian%ip1 k9%ip c>e1 & dome/ic &      
int]c\ntry adoption z d]iv$ f a wide    
v>iety ( dome/ic1 =eign1 & global       
policies & practices4  7,e7 ,te*nical   
assi/ance ,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y1 9     
consultation ) o!r appropriate ,f$]al   
ag5cies1 %all provide te*nical assi/ance
 to gov]nm5ts ( =eign c\ntries to help  
build _! *ild welf>e capacities & to    
/r5g!n appropriate family pres]vation & 
reunification & ! provision (           
appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t      
family c>e ?r\gh k9%ip c>e1 gu>dian%ip1 
& dome/ic & int]c\ntry adoption1 includ+
 assi/ance )-- 7i7 ! draft+1 dissem9at+1
 & implem5t+ ( legislation2  7ii7 !     
developm5t ( implem5t+ sy/ems &         
proc$ures2  7iii7 ! e/abli%m5t ( public1
 private1 & fai?- & community-bas$      
p>tn]%ips2  7iv7 ! developm5t ( work=ce 
tra9+ = gov]nm5tal & nongov]nm5tal /aff2

 &  7v7 infra/ructure developm5t & data 
collection te*niques necess>y to id5tify
 & docum5t ! numb] & ne$s ( *ildr5 liv+ 
)\t appropriate1 protective1 & p]man5t  
family c>e4  7#d7 ,responsibilities )   
respect to int]c\ntry adoption  7,a7 ,9 
g5]al ,! ,,vcfs1 9 coord9ation ) o!r    
(fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate & ,u4,s4   
,citiz5%ip & ,immigration ,s]vices1 %all
 h lead responsibility = repres5t+ !    
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t 9 discussions1  
negotiations1 & diplomatic contacts     
p]ta9+ to int]c\ntry adoptions4  7,b7   
,c5tral au?ority responsibility "u !    
int]c\ntry adoption act ( #bjjj ,section
 #aja7;b77#b7 ( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption 
,act ( #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4             
#adiaa7;b77#b77 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,(fice
 ( ,*ildr5's ,issues & ins]t+ ,bureau ( 
,vuln]able ,*ildr5 & ,family ,security4 
7,c7 ,det]m9ations ( ,hague adoption    
conv5tion compliance ,! ,,vcfs1 9       
consultation ) o!r (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t 
( ,/ate1 & ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,homel&        
,security1 %all h lead responsibility = 

det]m9+ :e!r a ,conv5tion p>tn] c\ntry  
has met its obligations "u ! ,hague     
,adoption ,conv5tion & is eligible to   
p>ticipate 9 int]c\ntry adoptions 9     
accordance ) ,unit$ ,/ates law4 ,su*    
det]m9ations %all be docum5t$ 9 writ+1  
bas$ on /&>diz$ crit]ia1 & available =  
public review & comm5t4  7,d7           
,negotiation ( bilat]al agreem5ts ,!    
,,vcfs1 9 consultation ) ! ,secret>y (  
,homel& ,security1 %all h lead          
responsibility = ! negotiation (        
bilat]al agreem5ts ) o!r c\ntries p]ta9+
 to int]c\ntry adoption & 9 con=mity ) !
 provisions ( ! ,hague ,adoption        
,conv5tion :5 ! o!r c\ntry is a         
,conv5tion p>tn]4  7#e7 ,policy         
coord9ation ,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all 
coord9ate ) ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&       
,security & ! ,adm9i/rator ( ! ,unit$   
,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national           
,developm5t to ma9ta9 consi/5cy 9 ,unit$
 ,/ates =eign & dome/ic policy &        
op]ations ) respect to *ildr5 liv+      
outside family c>e 9 =eign c\ntries1    

p>ticul>ly ^? liv+ )\t families4  7#f7  
,in=mation coord9ation ,! ,assi/ant     
,secret>y %all transmit-- 7,a7 any      
int]c\ntry adoption relat$ case         
in=mation receiv$ f ! ,c5tral ,au?ority 
( ano!r ,conv5tion c\ntry to ! ,secret>y
 ( ,homel& ,security2 &  7,b7 any       
int]c\ntry adoption relat$ case         
in=mation t ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&       
,security reque/s to ! ,c5tral ,au?ority
 ( ano!r ,conv5tion c\ntry4  #ajb4      
,responsibilities ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & 
,immigration ,s]vices = accr$itation (  
adoption s]vice provid]s  7a7 ,g5]al    
responsibilities "u ! ,int]c\ntry       
,adoption ,act ( #bjjj  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!
 ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj     
7,public ,law #ajf-bgi2 #aad ,/at4 #hbe7
 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #ajc   
7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adiac7 ! foll[+3        
#ajc;,a4 ,responsibilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t
 ( ,homel& ,security  7a7 ,accr$itation 
& approval responsibilities ,! ,secret>y
 ( ,homel& ,security1 work+ ?r\gh !     
,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &         

,immigration ,s]vices1 %all c>ry out !  
functions prescrib$ by ! ,conv5tion )   
respect to ! accr$itation ( ag5cies & ! 
approval ( p]sons to provide adoption   
s]vices 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9 cases       
subject to ! ,conv5tion z provid$ 9     
title ,,ii4 ,su* functions may n be     
delegat$ to any o!r ,f$]al ag5cy4  7b7  
,inve/igations ,! ,secret>y ( ,homel&   
,security %all be responsible = manag+ &
 ov]see+ inve/igations relat$ to !      
op]ation & s]vices ( adoption s]vice    
provid]s1 :e!r directly or indirectly4  
7c7 ,liaison ) =eign gov]nm5ts on       
po/-,placem5t reports & c]ta9 adoption  
cases ,! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security  
%all s]ve z ! liaison ) =eign gov]nm5ts 
) respect to qu]ies ab\t requir$        
po/-placem5t reports & ab\t specific    
int]c\ntry adoption cases once ! adopt$ 
*ildr5 are liv+ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1      
includ+ qu]ies ab\t ! /atus ( adopt$    
*ildr5 :o are liv+ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9  
cases involv+ allegations ( abuse1      
neglect1 ab&onm5t1 or dea?4  4  7#b7    

,cl]ical am5dm5t ,section #a ( su* ,act 
is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to
 section #ajc ! foll[+3  ,sec4 #ajc;,a4 
,responsibilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,homel& ,security4  4  7#c7 ,con=m+     
am5dm5ts ,section #ajb ( su* ,act 7#db  
,u4,s4,c4 #adiab7 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9     
subsection 7a71 by /rik+ ,! ,secret>y & 
ins]t+ ,except z provid$ = "u section   
#ajc;,a1 ! ,secret>y2  7,b7 9 subsection
 7b71 by ins]t+ 1 9 coord9ation ) !     
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 aft] ,!  
,secret>y2  7,c7 by /rik+ subsection    
7c72  7,d7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7d7
 & 7f7 z subsections 7c7 & 7d71         
respectively2 &  7,e7 by /rik+          
subsection 7e74  7b7 ,accr$itation      
responsibilities "u ! ,int]c\ntry       
,adoption ,act ( #bjjj  7#a7            
,designation ( accr$it+ ag5cies ,section
 #bjb ( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act (  
#bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adibb7 is am5d$ by
 ins]t+ ( ,homel& ,security aft]        
,secret>y ea* place x appe>s4  7#b7     
,/&>ds & proc$ures = provid+            

accr$itation or approval ,section #bjc (
 ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj   
7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adibc7 is am5d$ by      
ins]t+ ( ,homel& ,security aft]         
,secret>y ea* place x appe>s 9          
subsections 7a7 & 7b74  7#c7 ,ov]sight (
 accr$itation & approval ,section #bjd (
 ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj   
7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adibd7 is am5d$-- 7,a7  
by ins]t+ ( ,homel& ,security aft]      
,secret>y ea* place x appe>s2 &  7,b7 9 
subsection 7c7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by
 am5d+ ! p>agraph head+ to read z       
foll[s3  7#d7 ,au?ority ( ! secret>y (  
homel& security  2 &  7ii7 9 p>agraph   
7#b71 by /rik+ ,secret>y's deb>m5t ord] 
& ins]t+ deb>m5t ord] ( ! ,secret>y (   
,homel& ,security4  7#d7 ,adm9i/rative  
provisions  7,a7 ,access to conv5tion   
records ,section #dja7;b7 ( !           
,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #adida7;b77 is am5d$-- 7i7 9  
p>agraph 7#a71 by ins]t+ 1 ! ,director (
 ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & ,immigration       
,s]vices1 aft] ,secret>y2 &  7ii7 9     

p>agraph 7#b71 by ins]t+ ! ,director (  
,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & ,immigration        
,s]vices1 aft] ,secret>y14  7,b7        
,assessm5t ( fees ,section #djc7;b7 ( ! 
,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #adidc7;b77 is am5d$-- 7i7 9  
p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,i7 by ins]t+ or !     
,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &         
,immigration ,s]vices aft] ,secret>y2 & 
7,,ii7 by ins]t+ or ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & 
,immigration ,s]vices1 respectively1    
aft] ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate2 &  7ii7 9       
p>agraph 7#b71 by ins]t+ or ,u4,s4      
,citiz5%ip & ,immigration ,s]vices      
appropriation1 z ! case may be1 aft]    
,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate appropriation4  7c7   
,int]c\ntry adoption functions ( ,u4,s4 
,citiz5%ip & ,immigration ,s]vices  7#a7
 ,def9itions ,9 ?is subsection & 9      
section #ajc3 7,a7 ,adoption s]vice ,!  
t]m adoption s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 !  
t]m 9 section #c ( ! ,int]c\ntry        
,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4   
#adijb74  7,b7 ,associate director ,!   
t]m ,associate ,director means !        

,associate ,director ( ! ,directorate4  
7,c7 ,directorate ,except z o!rwise     
provid$ 9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m         
,directorate means ! ,field ,op]ations  
,directorate ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &      
,immigration ,s]vices4  7#b7 ,int]c\ntry
 adoption functions ,! ,associate       
,director %all c>ry out-- 7,a7 !        
functions describ$ 9 section #ajc;,a7a7 
( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj1 
relat+ to accr$itation ( ag5cies &      
approval ( p]sons to provide adoption   
s]vices2  7,b7 ! functions describ$ 9   
section #ajc;,a7b7 ( su* ,act1 relat+ to
 managem5t & ov]sight ( inve/igations   
relat$ to ! op]ation ( su* provid]s2 &  
7,c7 ! functions describ$ 9 section     
#ajc;,a7c7 ( su* ,act1 relat+ to liaison
 responsibilities reg>d+ po/-placem5t   
reports & c]ta9 adoption cases4  7#c7   
,in=mational responsibilities  7,a7     
,database on adoption s]vice provid]s   
7i7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,associate ,director    
%all e/abli% & op]ate1 9 conjunction ) !
 ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 a publicly          

accessible database ( adoption s]vice   
provid]s4  7ii7 ,agreem5t ,! ,associate 
,director1 ! ,director1 & ! ,secret>y ( 
,/ate %all ent] into an agreem5t "u :i* 
! ,director & ! ,secret>y %all provide1 
= ! database1 data on int]c\ntry        
adoption cases relat+ to adoption s]vice
 provid]s4  7iii7 ,cont5ts ,! database  
%all include1 ) respect to ea* accr$it$ 
ag5cy & approv$ p]son1 :o is an adoption
 s]vice provid] individually1 & to !    
aggregate ( all adoption s]vice         
provid]s-- 7,i7 in=mation id5tify+ su* a
 provid]2  7,,ii7 in=mation on !        
accr$itation /atus ( an ag5cy1 or !     
approval /atus ( a p]son1 z an adoption 
s]vice provid]2  7,,iii7 in=mation on ! 
numb] ( applications or petitions fil$  
respect+ adoption & ! numb]s ( approvals
 & d5ials ( ! applications or petitions2
  7,,iv7 ! numb] ( sub/antiat$          
grievances fil$ ) respect to an adoption
 s]vice provid]2 &  7,v7 a description (
 any sanctions an adoption s]vice       
provid]1 or corrective actions t !      

provid] is requir$ to take to ma9ta9    
accr$itation or approval describ$ 9     
subclause 7,,ii74  7,b7 ,database on    
int]nationally adopt$ *ildr5  7i7 ,9    
g5]al ,! ,associate ,director1 9        
conjunction ) ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 %all 
e/abli% & op]ate a database conta9+ data
 respect+ *ildr5 involv$ 9 int]c\ntry   
adoption cases :o h immigrat$ to !      
,unit$ ,/ates4  7ii7 ,in=mation track+  
,al?\gh ! data available = adoptions    
f9aliz$ be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is  
,act w likely be incomplete1 !          
,associate ,director %\ld seek to import
 available data on all adoptions involv+
 *ildr5 :o are y\ng] ?an #ah ye>s ( age 
on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,9   
op]at+ ! database e/abli%$ "u clause    
7i71 ! ,associate ,director %all track  
in=mation ab\t ea* su* *ild be=e atta9+ 
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip1 includ+-- 7,i7 
in=mation id5tify+ a *ild & ! adoptive  
or prospective adoptive p>5ts1 includ+--
 7aa7 ! full "n ( ! *ild 9 ! c\ntry (   
orig9 & ! full "n ( ! *ild aft] !       

adoption is f9aliz$2  7bb7 ! g5d]1 date 
( bir?1 nationality1 & citiz5%ip ( !    
*ild2  7cc7 ! physical address ( ! *ild 
at ! "t ( ! adoption2 ! type ( visa     
issu$ to ! *ild2 &  7dd7 ! date on :i* !
 *ild ent]$ ! ,unit$ ,/ates2  7,,ii7    
in=mation on ! p>ticul> adoption s]vice 
provid]1 if any1 provid+ s]vices 9 !    
p>ticul> case2 &  7,,iii7 in=mation on  
immigration or citiz5%ip /atus ( ! *ild4
  7iii7 ,int]ag5cy agreem5t ,!          
,associate ,director1 ! ,director1 & !  
,secret>y ( ,/ate %all ent] into an     
agreem5t "u :i* ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate %all
 provide1 = ! database1 data on         
int]c\ntry adoption cases conc]n+ !     
adopt$ *ildr51 & ! adoption s]vice      
provid]s4  #ajc4 ,transf] ( functions & 
sav+s provisions  7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is
 section1 unless o!rwise provid$ or     
contextually indicat$-- 7#a7 ! t]m      
,f$]al ag5cy has ! mean+ giv5 to ! t]m  
ag5cy "u section #eea7a7 ( title #e1    
,unit$ ,/ates ,code2  7#b7 ! t]m        
function means any duty1 obligation1    

p[]1 au?ority1 responsibility1 "r1      
privilege1 activity1 or program2 &  7#c7
 ! t]m (fice includes any (fice1        
adm9i/ration1 ag5cy1 in/itute1 unit1    
organizational entity1 or compon5t !re(4
  7b7 ,transf] ( functions ,!re are     
transf]r$ to ! ,directorate1 all        
functions describ$ 9 section #ajc;,a7a7 
( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj1 
z add$ by section #ajb7;a7 ( ?is ,act1  
:i* 7 ex]cis$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate    
be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act     
7includ+ all relat$ functions ( any     
(fic] or employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t (       
,/ate71 includ+ functions relat+ to--   
7#a7 ! accr$itation ( ag5cies & approval
 ( p]sons to provide adoption s]vices2  
7#b7 ! managem5t & ov]sight (           
inve/igations relat$ to ! op]ation ( su*
 provid]s2 &  7#c7 liaison              
responsibilities ) respect to requir$   
po/-placem5t reports4  7c7 ,det]m9ations
 ( c]ta9 functions by ! ,(fice (        
,managem5t & ,budget ,if necess>y1 !    
,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t &     

,budget %all make any det]m9ation )     
respect to ! transf] ( functions "u     
subsection 7b74  7d7 ,p]sonnel          
provisions  7#a7 ,appo9tm5ts ,!         
,associate ,director may appo9t & fix ! 
comp5sation ( su* (fic]s & employees1   
includ+ inve/igators1 attorneys1 &      
adm9i/rative law judges1 z may be       
necess>y to c>ry out ! respective       
functions transf]r$ "u ?is section4     
,except z o!rwise provid$ by law1 su*   
(fic]s & employees %all be appo9t$ 9    
accordance ) ! civil s]vice laws & _!   
comp5sation fix$ 9 accordance ) title   
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4  7#b7 ,exp]ts &
 consultants ,! ,associate ,director may
 obta9 ! s]vices ( exp]ts & consultants 
9 accordance ) section #caji ( title #e1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & comp5sate su*   
exp]ts & consultants = ea* day 7includ+ 
travel "t7 at rates n 9 excess ( ! rate 
( pay = level ,,iv ( ! ,executive       
,s*$ule "u section #ecae ( su* title4 ,!
 ,associate ,director may pay exp]ts &  
consultants :o are s]v+ away f _! homes 

or regul> place ( bus9ess travel exp5ses
 & p] diem 9 lieu ( subsi/5ce at rates  
au?oriz$ by sections #egjb & #egjc ( su*
 title = p]sons 9 ,gov]nm5t s]vice      
employ$ int]mitt5tly4  7e7 ,delegation &
 assignm5t ,except :]e o!rwise expressly
 prohibit$ by law or o!rwise provid$ "u 
?is section-- 7#a7 ! ,associate         
,director may-- 7,a7 delegate any ( !   
functions transf]r$ to ! ,associate     
,director "u ?is section & any function 
transf]r$ or grant$ to ! ,associate     
,director aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act to su* (fic]s & employees ( !     
,directorate z ! ,associate ,director   
may designate2 &  7,b7 au?orize         
successive r$elegations ( su* functions 
z may be necess>y or appropriate2 &     
7#b7 no delegation ( functions by !     
,associate ,director "u ?is subsection  
or "u any o!r provision ( ?is section   
%all relieve su* ,associate ,director ( 
responsibility = ! adm9i/ration ( su*   
functions4  7f7 ,reorganization ,!      
,associate ,director is au?oriz$-- 7#a7 

to allocate or reallocate any function  
transf]r$ "u subsection 7b7 among !     
(fic]s ( ! ,directorate2 &  7#b7 to     
e/abli%1 consolidate1 alt]1 or          
discont9ue su* organizational entities 9
 ! ,directorate z may be necess>y or    
appropriate4  7g7 ,rules ,! ,associate  
,director is au?oriz$ to prescribe1 9   
accordance ) ! provisions ( *apt]s #e & 
#f ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 su* 
rules & regulations z ! ,associate      
,director det]m9es necess>y or          
appropriate to adm9i/] & manage !       
functions ( ! ,directorate4  7h7        
,transf] & allocations ( appropriations 
& p]sonnel ,except z o!rwise provid$ "u 
?is section & subject to section #aeca (
 title #ca1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 !      
p]sonnel employ$ 9 connection )1 & !    
assets1 liabilities1 contracts1 prop]ty1
 records1 & unexp5d$ balances (         
appropriations1 au?orizations1          
allocations1 & o!r funds employ$1 us$1  
held1 aris+ f1 available to1 or to be   
made available 9 connection ) !         

functions transf]r$ "u subsection 7b71  
%all be transf]r$ to ! ,directorate4    
,unexp5d$ funds transf]r$ pursuant to   
?is subsection may only be us$ = !      
purposes = :i* ! funds 7 orig9ally      
au?oriz$ & appropriat$4  7i7 ,incid5tal 
transf]s ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice (      
,managem5t & ,budget-- 7#a7 may1 at su* 
"t or times z ! ,director may           
prescribe-- 7,a7 make su* det]m9ations z
 may be necess>y ) reg>d to ! functions 
transf]r$ "u subsection 7b72 &  7,b7    
make su* additional incid5tal           
dispositions ( p]sonnel1 assets1        
liabilities1 grants1 contracts1 prop]ty1
 records1 & unexp5d$ balances (         
appropriations1 au?orizations1          
allocations1 & o!r funds held1 us$1     
aris+ f1 available to1 or to be made    
available 9 connection ) su* functions1 
z may be necess>y to c>ry out !         
provisions ( ?is section2 &  7#b7 %all  
provide =-- 7,a7 ! t]m9ation ( ! affairs
 ( all entities t]m9at$ "u ?is section2 
&  7,b7 su* fur!r measures &            

dispositions z may be necess>y to c>ry  
out ! purposes ( ?is section4  7j7      
,effect on p]sonnel  7#a7 ,9 g5]al      
,except z o!rwise provid$ "u ?is        
section1 ! transf] "u ?is section (     
full-"t p]sonnel 7except special        
,gov]nm5t employees7 & "p-"t p]sonnel   
hold+ p]man5t positions %all n cause any
 su* employee to be sep>at$ or r$uc$ 9  
grade or comp5sation dur+ ! #a-ye> p]iod
 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* transf]4  7#b7  
,executive s*$ule positions ,except z   
o!rwise provid$ "u ?is section1 any     
p]son :o1 on ! day prec$+ ! date ( !    
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 held a position    
comp5sat$ 9 accordance ) ! ,executive   
,s*$ule prescrib$ 9 *apt] #ec ( title   
#e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 & :o1 )\t a    
break 9 s]vice1 is appo9t$ 9 !          
,directorate to a position hav+ duties  
comp>able to ! duties p]=m$ imm$iately  
prec$+ su* appo9tm5t %all cont9ue to be 
comp5sat$ 9 su* new position at n less  
?an ! rate provid$ = su* previ\s        
position1 = ! duration ( ! s]vice ( su* 

p]son 9 su* new position4  7#c7         
,t]m9ation ( c]ta9 positions ,all       
positions ^: functions are transf]r$ "u 
subsection 7b7 & ^: incumb5ts h be5     
appo9t$ by ! ,presid5t1 by & ) ! advice 
& cons5t ( ! ,s5ate1 %all t]m9ate on !  
date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7k7      
,sav+s provisions  7#a7 ,cont9u+ effect 
( legal docum5ts ,all ord]s1            
det]m9ations1 rules1 regulations1       
p]mits1 agreem5ts1 grants1 contracts1   
c]tificates1 lic5ses1 regi/rations1     
privileges1 & o!r adm9i/rative actions  
:i*-- 7,a7 h be5 issu$1 made1 grant$1 or
 all[$ to become effective by !         
,presid5t1 any ,f$]al ag5cy or (ficial  
!re(1 or by a c\rt ( compet5t           
jurisdiction1 9 ! p]=mance ( functions  
:i* are transf]r$ "u ?is section2 &     
7,b7 are 9 effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t
 ( ?is ,act1 or 7 f9al be=e su* date (  
enactm5t & are to become effective on or
 aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1   
%all cont9ue 9 effect accord+ to _! t]ms
 until modifi$1 t]m9at$1 sup]s$$1 set   

aside1 or revok$ 9 accordance ) law by !
 ,presid5t1 ! ,associate ,director or   
o!r au?oriz$ (ficial1 a c\rt ( compet5t 
jurisdiction1 or by op]ation ( law4     
7#b7 ,proce$+s n affect$ ,no?+ 9 ?is    
section may be con/ru$ to affect any    
proce$+1 includ+ a notice ( propos$     
rulemak+1 or any application = any      
lic5se1 p]mit1 c]tificate1 or f9ancial  
assi/ance p5d+ be=e ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate 
on ! effective date ( ?is section1 )    
respect to functions transf]r$ "u       
subsection 7b74 ,ord]s %all be issu$ 9  
su* proce$+s1 appeals %all be tak5      
!refrom1 & paym5ts %all be made pursuant
 to su* ord]s1 z if ?is section _h n be5
 enact$4 ,ord]s issu$ 9 any su* proce$+s
 %all cont9ue 9 effect until modifi$1   
t]m9at$1 sup]s$$1 or revok$ by a duly   
au?oriz$ (ficial1 by a c\rt ( compet5t  
jurisdiction1 or by op]ation ( law4     
,no?+ 9 ?is p>agraph may be con/ru$ to  
prohibit ! discont9uance or modification
 ( any su* proce$+ "u ! same t]ms &     
conditions & to ! same ext5t t su*      

proce$+ c\ld h be5 discont9u$ or modifi$
 if ?is section _h n be5 enact$4  7#c7  
,suits n affect$ ,no?+ 9 ?is section may
 be con/ru$ to affect suits comm5c$ be=e
 ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 ,9 all 
su* suits1 proce$+s %all be _h1 appeals 
tak51 & judgm5ts r5d]$ 9 ! same mann] & 
) ! same effect z if ?is section _h n   
be5 enact$4  7#d7 ,nonabatem5t ( actions
 ,no suit1 action1 or o!r proce$+       
comm5c$ by or aga9/ ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate1
 or by or aga9/ any individual 9 !      
(ficial capacity ( su* individual z an  
(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate1 %all abate 
by reason ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section4   
7#e7 ,adm9i/rative actions relat+ to    
promulgation ( regulations ,any         
adm9i/rative action relat+ to !         
prep>ation or promulgation ( a          
regulation by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate relat+
 to a function transf]r$ "u subsection  
7b7 may be cont9u$ by ! ,directorate ) !
 same effect z if ?is section _h n be5  
enact$4  7l7 ,sep>ability ,if a         
provision ( ?is section or its          

application to any p]son or circum/ance 
is held invalid1 nei!r ! rema9d] ( ?is  
section nor ! application ( ! provision 
to o!r p]sons or circum/ances %all be   
affect$4  7m7 ,transition ,! ,associate 
,director is au?oriz$ to utilize-- 7#a7 
! s]vices ( su* (fic]s1 employees1 & o!r
 p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate )       
respect to functions transf]r$ to !     
,directorate by ?is section2 &  7#b7    
funds appropriat$ to su* functions = su*
 p]iod ( "t z may reasonably be ne$$ to 
facilitate ! ord]ly implem5tation ( ?is 
section4  7n7 ,ref]5ces ,ref]5ce 9 any  
o!r ,f$]al law1 ,executive ord]1 rule1  
regulation1 or delegation ( au?ority1 or
 any docum5t ( or relat+ to-- 7#a7 !    
,secret>y ( ,/ate ) reg>d to functions  
transf]r$ "u subsection 7b71 %all be    
deem$ to ref] to ! ,associate ,director2
 &  7#b7 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate ) reg>d to 
functions transf]r$ "u subsection 7b71  
%all be deem$ to ref] to ! ,directorate4
  7o7 ,additional con=m+ am5dm5ts  7#a7 
,recomm5d$ legislation ,aft]            

consultation ) ! appropriate committees 
( ,congress & ! ,director ( ! ,(fice (  
,managem5t & ,budget1 ! ,associate      
,director %all prep>e & submit to       
,congress recomm5d$ legislation conta9+ 
te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts to reflect ! 
*anges made by ?is section4  7#b7       
,submission to congress ,n lat] ?an #ahj
 days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is    
,act1 ! ,associate ,director %all submit
 ! recomm5d$ legislation ref]r$ to "u   
p>agraph 7#a7 to ,congress4  #ajd4      
,responsibilities ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & 
,immigration ,s]vices = adoption-relat$ 
case process+  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y
 ( ,homel& ,security1 act+ ?r\gh !      
,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &         
,immigration ,s]vices-- 7#a7 %all be    
responsible = process+ & case-specific  
decisionmak+ on all int]c\ntry adoption 
cases 7up to ! po9t ( application = an  
immigrant visa on behalf ( ! adopt$     
*ild71 includ+ cases be+ process$       
pursuant to ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act
 ( #bjjj 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adija et seq47 

& section #b ( ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption  
,univ]sal ,accr$itation ,act ( #bjab    
7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adibe72  7#b7 %all      
ensure t all int]c\ntry adoption        
suitability & eligibility det]m9ations (
 prospective adoptive p>5ts requir$ "u  
subp>agraph 7,f7 or 7,g7 ( section      
#aja7;b77#a7 ( ! ,immigration &         
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4         
#aaja7;b77#a77 are made 9 accordance )  
/&>d crit]ia t comply ) ! ,hague        
,adoption ,conv5tion s t any su*        
det]m9ation ju/ifies a ,conv5tion       
adoption or a non-,conv5tion adoption2  
7#c7 to ! maximum ext5t possible1 & to !
 ext5t p]mitt$ by ! c\ntry 9 :i* ! *ild 
resides1 %all ensure t all              
non-,conv5tion adoption cases und]go    
preprocess+1 includ+-- 7,a7 ! fil+ ( a  
petition & ! review ( a *ild's          
eligibility to immigrate to ! ,unit$    
,/ates be=e ! adoption or grant ( legal 
cu/ody 7= purposes ( emigration &       
adoption 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates7 ( t *ild is 
complet$ 9 ! c\ntry ( orig92 &  7,b7 !  

completion ( all necess>y & relevant    
inve/igations associat$ ) ! petition    
be=e ! c\ntry ( orig9 f9alizes !        
adoption or grants legal cu/ody =       
purposes ( emigration & adoption 9 !    
,unit$ ,/ates2  7#d7 except z provid$ 9 
p>agraph 7#e71 %all be responsible = all
 case process+ /eps 9 ,conv5tion &      
non-,conv5tion adoption petitions on    
behalf ( *ildr5 :om ,unit$ ,/ates p>5ts 
propose to immigrate to ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
7except = ! process+ ( immigrant visas71
 includ+ process+ ( all necess>y ,hague 
,adoption ,conv5tion c]tifications & !  
f9al adjudication ( ! immigration       
petitions2 &  7#e7 may delegate !       
responsibility = complet+ c]ta9 elem5ts 
( case adjudication to ! ,secret>y (    
,/ate if ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,homel&          
,security-- 7,a7 _c adequately complete 
su* elem5ts due to ! ne$ = physical     
pres5ce 9 ! c\ntry ( orig9 or o!r       
process+-relat$ circum/ances2 &  7,b7   
def9es & monitors ! p>amet]s = ! elem5ts
 delegat$ to ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate &      

reta9s f9al decisionmak+ au?ority4  7b7 
,=eign adoption decrees  7#a7 ,conv5tion
 c\ntries ,! #b-ye> legal cu/ody & jo9t 
resid5ce requirem5ts set =? 9 section   
#aja7;b77#a77;,e7 ( ! ,immigration &    
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4         
#aaja7;b77#a77;,e77 %all n apply if !   
docum5tation submitt$ on behalf ( a *ild
 includes-- 7,a7 an adoption decree     
issu$ by a compet5t au?ority 7z su* t]m 
is us$ 9 ! ,hague ,adoption ,conv5tion7 
( ! *ild's c\ntry ( orig9 & evid5ce t ! 
adoption 0 grant$ 9 compliance ) !      
,hague ,adoption ,conv5tion2 or  7,b7 a 
cu/ody or gu>dian%ip decree issu$ by !  
compet5t au?ority ( ! *ild's c\ntry (   
orig9 to ! adoptive p>5ts1 & a f9al     
adoption decree1 v]ify+ t ! adoption ( !
 *ild 0 lat] f9aliz$ outside ! ,unit$   
,/ates by ! adoptive p>5ts1 9 addition  
to evid5ce t ! cu/ody or gu>dian%ip 0   
grant$ 9 compliance ) ! ,hague ,adoption
 ,conv5tion4  7#b7 ,sub/antial          
compliance ) ,hague adoption conv5tion  
,p>agraph 7#a7 %all n apply unless--    

7,a7 on ! date on :i* ! und]ly+         
adoption1 cu/ody1 or gu>dian%ip decree 0
 issu$ by ! *ild's c\ntry ( orig9-- 7i7 
t c\ntry's adoption proc$ures compli$ ) 
! requirem5ts ( ! ,hague ,adoption      
,conv5tion 7z det]m9$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates
 c5tral au?ority72 &  7ii7 ! compet5t   
au?ority ( ! c\ntry ( orig9 c]tifi$ t ! 
adoption is consi/5t ) ,article #bc ( ! 
,hague ,adoption ,conv5tion2 &  7,b7 !  
adoption 0 a ,conv5tion adoption t 0    
complet$ betwe5 #b ,conv5tion c\ntries  
o!r ?an ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7#c7          
,non-conv5tion c\ntries ,! ,secret>y (  
,homel& ,security may accept ! fil+ (   
petitions on behalf ( *ildr5 liv+ 9     
non-,conv5tion c\ntries 9 ! abs5ce ( a  
f9al adoption decree4  7c7 ,coop]ation )
 =eign gov]nm5ts ,! ,secret>y ( ,homel& 
,security may int]act directly ) !      
c5tral au?ority ( a ,conv5tion c\ntry or
 a compet5t au?ority ( a non-,conv5tion 
c\ntry1 z appropriate-- 7#a7 to         
facilitate ! process+ ( int]c\ntry      
adoption cases1 includ+ mak+ habitual   

resid5ce det]m9ations relevant to *ildr5
 & prospective adoptive p>5ts 9 adoption
 proce$+s2 &  7#b7 to negotiate1 9      
coord9ation ) ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate1 & to 
implem5t bilat]al agreem5ts ) respect to
 int]c\ntry adoptions4  7d7 ,am5dm5ts to
 ! ,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj   
7#a7 ,transf] ( responsibilities to !   
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security ,!        
,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act ( #bjjj 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #adija et seq47 is am5d$--    
7,a7 by /rik+ ,attorney ,g5]al ea* place
 x appe>s & ins]t+ ,secret>y ( ,homel&  
,security2 &  7,b7 9 ! head+ ( section  
#ajc1 by /rik+ ,attorney ,g5]al & ins]t+
 ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security4  7#b7   
,hague conv5tion c]tificates ,section   
#cja ( su* ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adica7  
is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7i7 9
 ! subsection head+1 by /rik+ ,secret>y 
( ,/ate & ins]t+ ,secret>y ( ,homel&    
,security2 &  7ii7 9 ! head+ to p>agraph
 7#a71 by /rik+ ,secret>y ( ,/ate &     
ins]t+ ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security2 & 
7,b7 by /rik+ ,secret>y ( ,/ate ea*     

place x appe>s & ins]t+ ,secret>y (     
,homel& ,security4  7#c7 ,cl]ical       
am5dm5t ,! table ( cont5ts ( su* ,act is
 am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section
 #ajc & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  ,sec4 #ajc4   
,responsibilities ( ! ,secret>y (       
,homel& ,security4  4  7e7 ,def9ition ( 
*ild ,section #aja7;b77#a7 ( !          
,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h    
,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;b77#a77 is am5d$-- 7#a7
 9 subp>agraph 7,e7-- 7,a7 9 clause 7i71
 by /rik+ 7i7 a *ild adopt$ :ile "u !   
age ( sixte5 ye>s & ins]t+ a *ild adopt$
 :ile y\ng] ?an #ah ye>s ( age2 &  7,b7 
by /rik+ clause 7ii72  7#b7 by am5d+    
subp>agraph 7,f7 to read z foll[s3  7,f7
 7i7 a *ild1 y\ng] ?an #ah ye>s ( age at
 ! "t a petition is fil$ on ! *ild's    
behalf to accord a classification z an  
imm$iate relative "u section #bja7;b71 &
 :o has be5 adopt$ 9 a =eign /ate t is n
 a p>ty to ! ,conv5tion on ,protection (
 ,*ildr5 & ,co-op]ation 9 ,respect (    
,int]c\ntry ,adoption1 done at ,! ,hague
 ,may #bi1 #aiic1 or :o is emigrat+ f   

su* a =eign /ate to be adopt$ 9 ! ,unit$
 ,/ates by a ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 &     
sp\se jo9tly1 or by an unm>ri$ ,unit$   
,/ates citiz5 :o is at lea/ #be ye>s (  
age1 if-- 7,i7 ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&    
,security is satisfi$ t prop] c>e w be  
furni%$ ! *ild if admitt$ to ! ,unit$   
,/ates2  7,,ii7 ! *ild's natural p>5ts  
7or p>5t1 9 ! case ( a *ild :o has #a   
sole or surviv+ p>5t71 or o!r p]sons or 
in/itutions t reta9 legal cu/ody ( !    
*ild1 h freely giv5 _! writt5           
irrevocable cons5t to ! t]m9ation ( _!  
legal relation%ip ) ! *ild1 & to !      
*ild's emigration & adoption2  7,,iii7 !
 *ild has a liv+ p>5t or p>5ts :o has or
 h rel9qui%$1 or w rel9qui%1 ! *ild     
volunt>ily = ! purposes ( int]c\ntry    
adoption1 & ! p>5t or p>5ts are         
incapable ( provid+ prop] c>e = ! *ild2 
7,,iv7 ! ,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 
aft] consid]+ :e!r !re is a petition    
p5d+ to conf] immigrant /atus on "o or  
bo? natural p>5ts1 is satisfi$ t !      
purpose ( ! adoption is to =m a bona    

fide p>5t-*ild relation%ip1 & !         
p>5t-*ild relation%ip ( ! *ild & !      
natural p>5ts has be5 t]m9at$2 &  7,v7 9
 ! case ( a *ild :o has n be5 adopt$--  
7aa7 ! compet5t au?ority ( ! =eign /ate 
has approv$ ! *ild's emigration to !    
,unit$ ,/ates = ! purpose ( adoption by 
! prospective adoptive p>5t or p>5ts2 & 
7bb7 ! prospective adoptive p>5t or     
p>5ts has or h compli$ ) any preadoption
 requirem5ts ( ! *ild's propos$         
resid5ce2 &  7ii7 except t no natural   
p>5t or prior adoptive p>5t ( any su*   
*ild %all !reaft]1 by virtue ( su*      
p>5tage1 be accord$ any "r1 privilege1  
or /atus "u ?is *apt]2  2 &  7#c7 9     
subp>agraph 7,g7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+
 clause 7i71 by /rik+ #af & ins]t+ #ah2 
7,b7 9 clause 7i7-- 7i7 9 subclause     
7,,ii71 by /rik+ because ( ! dea? or    
disappe>ance (1 ab&onm5t or des]tion by1
 ! o!r p>5t2 &  7ii7 9 subclause        
7,,iii71 by /rik+ two liv+ natural      
p>5ts1 ! natural p>5ts are & ins]t+ a   
liv+ p>5t or p>5ts1 :o h rel9qui%$ or w 

rel9qui% ! *ild volunt>ily = ! purposes 
( int]c\ntry adoption1 ! p>5t or p>5ts  
are2  7,c7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ 2 or 
& ins]t+ a p]iod2 &  7,d7 by /rik+      
clause 7iii74  7f7 ,relative adoptions2 
waiv] au?ority ,section #ejb ( !        
,int]c\ntry ,adoption ,act 7#db         
,u4,s4,c4 #adieb7 is am5d$ to read z    
foll[s3  7a7 ,au?ority ,to e/abli%      
alt]native proc$ures = adoption ( *ildr5
 by relatives ,n lat] ?an #b ye>s aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,*ildr5 9        
,families ,fir/ ,act ( #bjac1 !         
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security %all      
e/abli%1 by regulation1 alt]native      
proc$ures = complet+ ! int]c\ntry       
adoption ( *ildr5 by ,unit$ ,/ates      
citiz5s :o are relat$ to su* *ildr5 by  
blood1 m>riage1 or adoption4  7b7 ,waiv]
 au?ority ,! ,secret>y ( ,homel&        
,security1 act+ ?r\gh ! ,director (     
,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & ,immigration        
,s]vices1 may waive1 on a case-by-case  
basis1 applicable requirem5ts = meet+ ! 
def9ition ( a *ild "u subp>agraph 7,e71 

7,f71 or 7,g7 ( section #aja7;b77#a7 ( !
 ,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h   
,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;b77#a771 or regulations
 issu$ ) respect to su* def9itions1 9 ! 
int]e/s ( ju/ice or to prev5t or respond
 to ! ?reat ( grave physical or         
emotional h>m to ! *ild if ! petition]  
e/abli%es t-- 7#a7 ! *ild sub/antially  
complies ) ! requirem5ts "u "o ( su*    
subp>agraphs2 &  7#b7 su* a waiv] w\ld  
be 9 ! *ild's be/ int]e/s4  4  7g7      
,det]m9ation ( applicability ( ! ,hague 
,adoption ,conv5tion 9 c]ta9 cases ,!   
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 act+     
?r\gh ! ,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip & 
,immigration ,s]vices1 may det]m9e1 on a
 case-by-case basis1 t a specific       
int]c\ntry adoption case may proce$ z a 
non-,conv5tion adoption if-- 7#a7 !     
*ild's c\ntry ( orig9 or habitual       
resid5ce is a ,conv5tion c\ntry2  7#b7 !
 c5tral au?ority ( ! *ild's c\ntry (    
orig9 or habitual resid5ce has issu$1 or
 w issue1 an adoption decree :i* t      
c\ntry consid]s to be legal & valid "u t

 c\ntry's laws to ! ,unit$ ,/ates       
adoptive or prospective adoptive p>5ts2 
&  7#c7 ! c5tral au?ority ( ! *ild's    
c\ntry ( orig9 or habitual resid5ce has 
in=m$ ! ,secret>y or ! ,director t x    
does n consid] ! specific case to fall  
)9 ! scope ( ! ,hague ,adoption         
,conv5tion4  7h7 ,special use ( p>ole   
au?ority  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y (  
,homel& ,security1 act+ ?r\gh !         
,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &         
,immigration ,s]vices1 may grant p>ole  
to a *ild if ! ,secret>y or ! ,director 
det]m9es t-- 7,a7 ! *ild's circum/ances 
indicate t imm$iate unification ) !     
p>ties seek+ p>ole is 9 ! *ild's be/    
int]e/s2  7,b7 wait+ to complete o!r1 m 
"t consum+ immigration process+ c\ld be 
significantly h>mful to ! *ild's        
well-be+2  7,c7 ! p>ty or p>ties seek+  
p>ole on behalf ( ! *ild-- 7i7 h a      
pre-exi/+ legal relation%ip ) ! *ild1 z 
evid5c$ by an adoption decree or a      
cu/ody ord]2 or  7ii7 demon/rate a      
pre-exi/+ relation%ip ) ! *ild & an     

int5t to e/abli% a legal relation%ip ) !
 *ild1 :i* may be evid5c$ by-- 7,i7 a   
familial relation%ip ) ! *ild2  7,,ii7 a
 close p]sonal relation%ip ) ! *ild1 su*
 z-- 7aa7 be+ mat*$ ) ! *ild = an       
int]national adoption by an adoption    
s]vice provid] or ! compet5t au?ority ( 
! *ild's c\ntry ( orig92 or  7bb7       
docum5tation %[+ t ! *ild's p>5ts1 if   
deceas$ or o!rwise incapacitat$ & unable
 to provide prop] c>e = ! *ild1 int5d$ =
 ! p>ties seek+ p>ole to take cu/ody ( !
 *ild2 or  7,,iii7 ! fil+ (             
adoption-relat$ applications or         
petitions relat$ to ! adoption ( ! *ild2
 &  7,d7 ! *ild w receive prop] c>e 9 ! 
,unit$ ,/ates by ! p>ty or p>ties :o    
seek p>ole on behalf ( ! *ild1 bas$ on a
 review ( ! suitability ( ! p>ty or     
p>ties1 :i* may include backgr\nd *eck  
or completion ( a home /udy conduct$ by 
a compet5t au?ority4  7#b7 ,meet+ !     
#b-ye> p]iods = ! purposes ( fil+ an    
imm$iate relative petition on behalf (  
an adopt$ *ild ,if a *ild is grant$     

p>ole "u p>agraph 7#a71 is subsequ5tly  
adopt$ by ! p>ties :o s\ght p>ole1 & su*
 p>ties seek p]man5t immigration /atus =
 ! *ild "u section #aja7;b77#a77;,e7 ( !
 ,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h   
,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;b77#a77;,e77-- 7,a7 !  
#b-ye> p]iod = legal cu/ody ( ! *ild    
%all beg9 to accrue on ! effective date 
( a grant ( cu/ody 9 ! *ild's c\ntry (  
orig9 or habitual resid5ce or 9 ! ,unit$
 ,/ates2  7,b7 ! #b-ye> p]iod = physical
 cu/ody ( ! *ild %all beg9 to accrue on 
! date on :i* ! p>ty or p>ties seek+    
p>ole = ! *ild beg9 jo9t resid5ce ) !   
*ild1 9 ! *ild's c\ntry ( orig9 or      
habitual resid5ce or 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 
&  7,c7 ! #b-ye> p]iods ( jo9t resid5ce 
& legal cu/ody may accrue )9 or outside 
! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7i7 ,rulemak+ ,!      
,secret>y ( ,homel& ,security1 9        
consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate & !  
,director ( ,u4,s4 ,citiz5%ip &         
,immigration ,s]vices1 %all issue       
regulations to c>ry out ?is section & ! 
am5dm5ts made by ?is section4  ,,ii     

,annual report+  #bja4 ,annual report on
 *ildr5 liv+ )\t families  7a7 ,9 g5]al 
,n lat] ?an ,septemb] #cj1 #bjad1 &     
annually !reaft]1 ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 9
 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national           
,developm5t & ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 %all 
submit a report to ! ,committee on      
,=eign ,relations ( ! ,s5ate & !        
,committee on ,=eign ,affairs ( ! ,h\se 
( ,repres5tatives t-- 7#a7 id5tifies !  
numb] ( *ildr5 liv+ )\t families2 &     
7#b7 describes ! degree to :i* ! v>i\s  
family p]man5ce solutions are be+       
utiliz$4  7b7 ,cont5t ,! report requir$ 
"u subsection 7a7 %all include-- 7#a7 a 
description ( ! _w's unp>5t$ *ildr51    
includ+-- 7,a7 a description &          
quantitative analysis ( ! _w's unp>5t$  
*ildr5 by c\ntry1 id5tify+ ! nationality
 ( ! *ildr5 physically pres5t 9 ea*     
c\ntry & di/+ui%+ among *ildr5 :o are   
citiz5s ( ! c\ntry1 noncitiz5 *ildr5    
lawfully pres5t 9 ! c\ntry1 & noncitiz5 
*ildr5 unlawfully 9 ! c\ntry1           

irrespective ( a *ild's p>ticul>        
immigration /atus2  7,b7 available data 
ab\t su* *ildr5 brok5 into detail$      
categories & includ+-- 7i7 in=mation on 
_! nationality1 age1 g5d]1 & /atus2     
7ii7 :e!r !y h a liv+ p>5t or p>5ts & ! 
/atus ( ^? p>5ts2  7iii7 :e!r ! unp>5t$ 
*ildr5 are consid]$ ab&on$1 sep>at$1    
rel9qui%$1 or h "s o!r /atus2  7iv7 :e!r
 !y are in/itutionaliz$ or homeless2    
7v7 in=mation on h[ !y are docum5t$1    
includ+ ?r\gh bir? regi/ries1 orphanage 
regi/ries1 ,unit$ ,nations ,high        
,commission] = ,refugees regi/ration1 or
 id5tity c>ds2 &  7vi7 an assessm5t ( _!
 liv+ conditions bas$ on indicators su* 
z crude mortality rate1 malnutrition    
rate1 or o!r simil> indicators2  7#b7 a 
review ( ! previ\s fiscal ye>'s         
programm+ 9 support ( appropriate1      
protective1 & p]man5t family c>e        
solutions1 includ+ project descriptions 
= ea* project by c\ntry1 goals ( ea*    
project1 am\nt aw>d$ = ea* project1 &   
evaluation ( outcomes dur+ ! fiscal ye>2

  7#c7 an action plan cov]+ propos$     
programm+ & activities = ! next fiscal  
ye> 9 support ( family p]man5cy         
solutions1 includ+ goals = ea* c\ntry 9 
:i* programm+ w occur1 propos$          
allocations ( res\rces by c\ntry1 types 
( projects propos$ by c\ntry1 am\nts (  
aw>ds propos$ = ea* project1 & desir$   
outcomes = ea* c\ntry2  7#d7 a review ( 
tr5ds ov] ! la/ five ye>s1 includ+      
*anges 9 ! numb]s & locations ( unp>5t$ 
*ildr5 & ! reasons = ! *anges1 su* z new
 refugee arrivals1 gr[+ numb]s ( *ildr5 
ab&on$ at bir?1 & decreases 9 numb] (   
*ildr5 9 in/itutions2  7#e7 an ov]all   
analysis ( highe/ priority situations ( 
conc]n = unp>5t$ *ildr51 includ+        
analysis ( :e!r ! *ildr5 are 9 a        
location t provides a coop]ative        
environm5t = assi/ance programm+ &      
int]c\ntry adoptions2  7#f7 a           
description ( h[ int]c\ntry adoption &  
refugee resettlem5t = unp>5t$ refugee   
*ildr5 has play$ a role 9 ea* c\ntry ov]
 ! la/ #aj ye>s & ! curr5t /atus ( su*  

programs1 includ+ analysis ( ! situation
 ) respect to ! ,hague ,adoption        
,conv5tion & h[ ! ,conv5tion has affect$
 int]c\ntry adoptions f ! c\ntry2  7#g7 
aggregate report+ on int]c\ntry         
adoptions to ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 di/+ui%+  
betwe5 ,conv5tion adoptions &           
non-,conv5tion adoptions & includ+--    
7,a7 ! total numb] ( int]c\ntry         
adoptions involv+ immigration to !      
,unit$ ,/ates by ye> ov] ! pa/ #aj ye>s 
& project$ data = ! next fiscal ye>1    
di/+ui%+ betwe5 ,conv5tion &            
non-,conv5tion adoptions1 includ+       
aggregate data on ! c\ntry f :i* ea*    
*ild emigrat$1 ! ,/ate ( resid5ce ( !   
adoptive p>5ts1 & ! c\ntry 9 :i* !      
adoption 0 f9aliz$2  7,b7 ! numb] (     
int]c\ntry adoptions involv+ emigration 
f ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 reg>dless ( :e!r !   
adoption occurr$ "u ! ,conv5tion &      
di/+ui%+ betwe5 ,conv5tion &            
non-,conv5tion adoptions1 includ+ !     
c\ntry to :i* ea* *ild immigrat$ & !    
,/ate f :i* ea* *ild emigrat$2  7,c7 !  

av]age "t requir$ = completion ( !      
immigration portion ( int]c\ntry        
adoptions1 di/+ui%+ betwe5 ,conv5tion & 
non-,conv5tion adoptions1 calculat$ z ! 
"t betwe5 fil+ ( ! initial              
immigration-relat$ adoption petition on 
behalf ( a *ild & ! approval ( t *ild's 
immigrant visa2 &  7,d7 ! range (       
adoption fees *>g$ 9 connection )       
int]c\ntry adoptions involv+ immigration
 to ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ! m$ian ( su*     
fees2 &  7#h7 su* additional in=mation z
 may be reque/$ by memb]s ( ! ,committee
 on ,=eign ,relations ( ! ,s5ate & !    
,committee on ,=eign ,affairs ( ! ,h\se 
( ,repres5tatives4  7c7 ,consultations  
,to ! ext5t possible1 designat$         
repres5tatives ( ! ,presid5t %\ld meet )
 memb]s ( ! ,committee on ,=eign        
,relations ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on 
,=eign ,affairs ( ! ,h\se (             
,repres5tatives n lat] ?an #b weeks be=e
 ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate submits ! report   
requir$ "u subsection 7a7 to discuss !  
in=mation describ$ 9 subsection 7b74 ,! 

sub/ance ( su* consultations %\ld be    
pr9t$ 9 ! ,congressional ,record4  7d7  
,repeal ,section #ajd ( ! ,int]c\ntry   
,adoption ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adiad7 is
 repeal$4  #bjb4 ,c\ntry reports reg>d+ 
sev]e =ms ( traffick+ ,section          
#ejb;,b7h77#a77;,b7 ( ! ,=eign          
,assi/ance ,act ( #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4  
#bcjd7;h77#a77;,b77 is am5d$ by add+ at 
! end ! foll[+3  7x7 ,:at /eps !        
gov]nm5t ( t c\ntry has tak5 to r$uce ! 
numb] ( *ildr5 liv+ outside ( family    
c>e4  7xi7 ,:at /eps ! gov]nm5t ( t     
c\ntry has tak5 to r$uce ! numb] (      
*ildr5 abus$1 neglect$1 or exploit$4  4 
,,iii ,promotion ( a compreh5sive       
approa* = *ildr5 9 adv]sity  #cja4      
,e/abli%m5t ( a ,,usaid ,c5t] =         
,excell5ce = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity  7a7   
,c5t] = ,excell5ce = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,!re is e/abli%$ )9 !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national    
,developm5t a ,c5t] ( ,excell5ce on     
,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity4  7#b7 ,coord9ator  
,! ,c5t] = ,excell5ce %all be head$ by !

 ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity ,coord9ator1 :o    
%all be appo9t$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,/ate1 
9 consultation ) ! ,adm9i/rator ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national    
,developm5t4  7#c7 ,objectives ,! ,c5t] 
( ,excell5ce on ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity %all
 "w 9 consultation ) ! ,assi/ant        
,secret>y ( ! ,bureau ( ,vuln]able      
,*ildr5 & ,family ,security ( !         
,dep>tm5t ( ,/ate to promote great]     
,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t coh]5ce &       
acc\ntability = :ole-(-gov]nm5t         
assi/ance to *ildr5 9 adv]sity & ensure 
t ,unit$ ,/ates =eign assi/ance &       
developm5t programs are focus$ on !     
foll[+ objectives3 7,a7 ,! s\nd         
developm5t ( *ildr5 ?r\gh ! integration 
( heal?1 nutrition1 & family support4   
7,b7 ,support+ & enabl+ families to c>e 
= *ildr5 ?r\gh family pres]vation1      
reunification1 & support ( k9%ip c>e1   
gu>dian%ip1 & dome/ic & int]c\ntry      
adoption4  7,c7 ,facilitat+ ! ef=ts (   
national gov]nm5ts & p>tn]s to prev5t1  
respond to1 & protect *ildr5 f viol5ce1 

exploitation1 abuse1 & neglect4  7#d7   
,au?orities ,! ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity      
,coord9ator1 act+ ?r\gh nongov]nm5tal   
organizations 7includ+ fai?-bas$ &      
community-bas$ organizations71 p>tn]    
c\ntry f9ance1 heal?1 education1 social 
welf>e1 & o!r m9i/ries1 & relevant      
executive bran* ag5cies1 is au?oriz$    
to-- 7,a7 op]ate int]nationally to c>ry 
out ! programs & activities outl9$ 9 !  
,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity2    
7,b7 provide grants to1 & ent] into     
contracts & coop]ative agreem5ts )1     
nongov]nm5tal organizations 7includ+    
fai?-bas$ organizations7 to c>ry out ?is
 section2 &  7,c7 transf] & allocate    
,unit$ ,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national    
,developm5t funds t h be5 appropriat$ = 
! purposes describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 
& 7,b74  7#e7 ,functions ,9 consultation
 ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ! ,bureau (  
,*ildr5's ,affairs 9 ! ,dep>tm5t (      
,/ate1 ! ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity ,coord9ator
 %all1 ?r\gh ! ,c5t] ( ,excell5ce-- 7,a7
 facilitate program & policy coord9ation

 relat$ to ! goals & objectives ( !     
,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity     
among relevant executive bran* ag5cies &
 nongov]nm5tal organizations by audit+1 
monitor+1 & evaluat+ su* programs2  7,b7
 ensure t ea* relevant executive bran*  
ag5cy und]takes responsibility =        
activities relat$ prim>ily to ^? areas 9
 :i* ! ag5cy has ! greate/ exp]tise1    
te*nical capability1 & pot5tial =       
success2  7,c7 coord9ate relevant       
executive bran* ag5cy activities relat$ 
to ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9          
,adv]sity2  7,d7 e/abli% due dilig5ce   
crit]ia = all recipi5ts ( funds         
appropriat$ by ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t
 = assi/ance to *ildr5 9 adv]sity2 &    
7,e7 ov]see ! adm9i/ration ( ! priority 
c\ntry demon/ration program z describ$ 9
 subsection 7f74  7#f7 ,assi/ance ,!    
,presid5t is au?oriz$ to provide        
assi/ance1 includ+ ?r\gh int]national1  
nongov]nm5tal1 or fai?-bas$             
organizations1 = programs 9 develop+    
c\ntries-- 7,a7 to increase ! p]c5tage (

 *ildr5 a*iev+ age-appropriate gr[? &   
developm5tal mile/ones2  7,b7 to        
increase ! p]c5tage ( *ildr5 "u #e ye>s 
( age demon/rat+ secure atta*m5t ) a    
prim>y c>egiv]2  7,c7 to integrate      
heal?1 nutrition1 developm5tal          
protections1 & c>egiv+ support =        
vuln]able *ildr5 & _! families2  7,d7 to
 increase ! p]c5tage ( *ildr5 liv+ )9   
appropriate1 p]man5t1 safe1 & protective
 family c>e1 ?r\gh family pres]vation & 
reunification1 & ?r\gh k9%ip c>e1       
gu>dian%ip1 & dome/ic & int]c\ntry      
adoption1 & to r$uce ! p]c5tage ( *ildr5
 liv+ 9 in/itutions2  7,e7 to increase !
 p]c5tage ( families provid+ adequate   
nutrition1 education opportunities1 c>e1
 & protection = _! *ildr52  7,f7 to     
r$uce ! p]c5tage ( *ildr5 :o exp]i5ce   
viol5ce1 exploitation1 abuse1 & neglect2
  7,g7 to increase ! p]c5tage ( *ildr5  
:o receive appropriate c>e & protection 
aft] exp]i5c+ viol5ce1 exploitation1    
abuse1 or neglect2  7,h7 to increase    
public aw>5ess t viol5ce1 exploitation1 

abuse1 or neglect ( *ildr5 z            
unacceptable2  7,i7 to increase !       
p]c5tage ( c\ntries t ratify & implem5t 
relevant conv5tions or =mally adopt     
int]nationally recogniz$ pr9ciples1     
/&>ds1 & proc$ural safegu>ds to protect 
*ildr5 f viol5ce1 exploitation1 abuse1 &
 neglect2  7,j7 to increase ! p]c5tage (
 *ildr5 :o h legal docum5tation & bir?  
regi/ration2  7,k7 to increase ! numb] (
 laws1 policies1 & practices 9 p>tn]    
/ates t promote & /r5g!n *ild welf>e &  
protection at h\sehold1 community1 &    
national levels is increas$2  7,l7 to   
increase national & local human res\rce 
capacity = *ild welf>e & protection2    
7,m7 to increase ! numb] ( national &   
community sy/ems effectively monitor+   
*ild welf>e & protection conc]ns1       
programs1 & outcomes2  7,n7 to enc\rage 
& assi/ 9 ! collection ( data relat$ to 
*ildr5 outside ( family c>e2  7,o7 to   
increase ! numb] ( preval5ce /udies t   
measure & track tr5ds 9 *ildr5's        
exposure to viol5ce1 exploitation1      

abuse1 & neglect2  7,p7 to increase !   
numb] ( publi%$ outcome_/impact         
evaluations on int]v5tions to assi/     
*ildr5 outside ( family c>e or m9imize  
exposure to viol5ce1 exploitation1      
abuse1 & neglect t c be g5]aliz$ to l>g]
 t>get gr\ps2  7,q7 to increase ! numb] 
( national gov]nm5ts & univ]sities lead+
 rigor\s data collection1 rese>*1 &     
monitor+ & evaluation /udies relat$ to  
*ild welf>e & protection2 &  7,r7 to    
increase ! numb] ( ,unit$ ,/ates        
,gov]nm5t-support$ int]v5tions = *ildr5 
9 adv]sity design$ us+ data f rigor\s   
rese>* me?odologies4  7b7 ,monitor+ &   
evaluation  7#a7 ,e/abli%m5t ( sy/em ,to
 maximize ! su/a9able developm5t impact 
( assi/ance au?oriz$ "u ?is section1 &  
pursuant to ! prim>y objective ( !      
,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity1 !  
,presid5t %all e/abli% a monitor+ &     
evaluation sy/em to measure !           
effectiv5ess ( ,unit$ ,/ates assi/ance  
to *ildr5 9 adv]sity4  7#b7 ,requirem5ts
 ,! monitor+ & evaluation sy/em %all--  

7,a7 be align$ ) ! objectives & outcomes
 outl9$ by ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9  
,adv]sity2 &  7,b7 provide a basis =    
recomm5dations = adju/m5ts to !         
assi/ance provid$ "u ?is "p4  7c7       
,priority ,c\ntry ,demon/ration ,program
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,adm9i/rator ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,ag5cy = ,int]national    
,developm5t1 9 consultation ) !         
,secret>y ( ,/ate1 %all e/abli% & c>ry  
out a priority c\ntry demon/ration      
program implem5t+ ! ,action ,plan =     
,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity ov] a p]iod ( #e    
ye>s 9 at lea/ #f c\ntries4  7#b7       
,purposes ,! purposes ( ! programs      
e/abli%$ "u subp>agraph 7#a7 %all be--  
7,a7 to demon/rate h[ rese>*-bas$       
policies & programs to a*ieve ! core    
objectives ( ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9
 ,adv]sity c be successfully implem5t$  
on a national level2  7,b7 to e/abli%   
model programs t1 once te/$ = efficacy1 
w be available = replication on a global
 basis2  7,c7 to id5tify a compreh5sive 
s]ies ( int]v5tions :i* result 9 meet+ !

 outcomes & objectives ( ! ,action ,plan
 = ,*ildr5 9 ,adv]sity2 &  7,d7 to      
det]m9e :i* 9-c\ntry factors advance or 
negate ! successful a*ievem5t ( !       
outcomes & objectives ( ! action plan4  
7#c7 ,crit]ia = selection ( c\ntries ,! 
crit]ia = selection ( c\ntries %all     
include-- 7,a7 magnitude & sev]ity ( !  
problems to be address$2  7,b7 p>tn]    
c\ntry int]e/ 9 p>ticipation 9 a        
compreh5sive implem5tation ( all #c     
goals ( ! ,action ,plan = ,*ildr5 9     
,adv]sity1 includ+1 ) respect to !      
second objective 7,families ,fir/71     
express$ will+ness to support ! full    
complem5t ( p]man5ce solutions 7includ+ 
family pres]vation1 reunification1 k9%ip
 c>e1 gu>dian%ip1 & dome/ic & int]c\ntry
 adoption71 & commitm5ts to support &   
all[ monitor+ & evaluation1 z well z    
transp>5t report+2  7,c7 pot5tial to    
lev]age bilat]al1 multilat]al1 &        
f\ndation inve/m5ts2  7,d7 pot5tial to  
lev]age o!r ,unit$ ,/ates developm5t    
inve/m5ts2  7,e7 regional div]sity to   

maximize le>n+ opportunities2 &  7,f7   
level ( economic developm5t1 ) a focus  
on l[- & middle-income c\ntries4  7d7   
,repeals  7#a7 ,assi/ance to orphans &  
o!r vuln]able *ildr5 ,section #ace ( !  
,=eign ,assi/ance ,act ( #aifa 7#bb     
,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;f7 is repeal$4  7#b7    
,annual report ,section #e ( !          
,assi/ance = ,orphans & ,o!r ,vuln]able 
,*ildr5 9 ,develop+ ,c\ntries ,act (    
#bjje 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baeb;g7 is h]eby  
repeal$4  ,,iv ,fund+ & effective dates 
#dja4 ,fund+  7a7 ,prohibition on new   
appropriations ,no additional funds are 
au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to c>ry out  
?is ,act & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act4 
,?is ,act & su* am5dm5ts %all be c>ri$  
out us+ am\nts o!rwise available = su*  
purposes1 includ+ unobligat$ balances ( 
funds made available to c>ry out        
activities "u ! ,=eign ,assi/ance ,act (
 #aifa 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #baea et seq474   
7b7 ,limitations on use ( funds  7#a7   
,unit$ ,nations ,no funds may be aw>d$  
to ! ,unit$ ,nations or any ( its       

subsidi>ies4  7#b7 ,adm9i/rative exp5ses
 ,n m ?an two p]c5t ( ! am\nts describ$ 
9 subsection 7a7 may be us$ =           
adm9i/rative exp5ses4  7c7 ,focus (     
assi/ance ,assi/ance provid$ "u ?is     
,act-- 7#a7 %all focus prim>ily on      
promot+ int]national *ild welf>e1 z set 
=? 9 ?is ,act1 = all *ildr5 9 adv]sity2 
&  7#b7 may be provid$ on su* t]ms &    
conditions z ! ,presid5t det]m9es       
appropriate4  #djb4 ,effective dates    
7a7 ,effective ^u enactm5t ,sections    
#ajd & #bjb & titles ,,iii & ,,iv %all  
take effect on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act4  7b7 ,delay$ effective date      
,sections #aja1 #ajb1 #ajc1 & #bja %all 
take effect on ! date t is #a ye> aft] !
 date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4