Catholic Charities Diocese of La Crosse (CCDL) has achieved full Hague Accreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA). This accreditation signifies that we meet an international standard of practice based upon a treaty, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Hague Accreditation is an achievement that demonstrates Catholic Charities Diocese of La Crosse’s continuing commitment to children and adoptive families.

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, known as “the Hague Convention” is an international agreement between countries that is designed to protect children adopted across national boundaries. It establishes protection for children, birth parents and adoptive parents while it also endorses the concept of international adoption as a means for orphan children to receive permanent, loving families.

The Hague Convention has two fundamental goals:

• Having the best interests of children considered with each intercountry adoption; and
• Preventing the abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.

To view The Hague Convention in its entirety, visit the Hague Convention website.

CCDL provides home study investigations and post-adoption support for families adopting internationally. The Agency works cooperatively with International Adoption Placement Agencies (aka Primary Provider) throughout the country.  Most International Adoption Placement Agencies are located outside of Wisconsin. Thus most adoptive families must have the home study and post-adoption support services provided by a Wisconsin authorized and Hague Accredited agency like CCDL. International Adoption Placement Agencies must also be Hague Accredited by the Council on Accreditation. These Placement Agencies identify children for adoption in foreign countries, refer children for adoption to prospective adoptive parents, and facilitate the international adoption process. CCDL has relationships with many International Adoption Placement Agencies and can to work with any International Adoption Placement Agency of the adoptive family’s choosing.