Following the Netherlands’ decision to suspend intercountry adoption in February 2021, we have additionally learned that the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security reported in November 2022 that the Netherlands decided to phase out their adoption relationship with eight countries, including the United States. This means that no new intercountry adoptions will be allowed between the United States and the Netherlands, however efforts will be made to allow existing cases currently in process to continue. The Office of Children’s Issues will work with the Dutch Central Authority to determine how this decision will impact pending dossiers. You can read their announcement here.

As part of this decision, the Netherlands will also require that future collaboration occur solely with countries that have signed and ratified the Hague Adoption Convention, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights on the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

For information about how to proceed if your case is in process, please contact the Adoption Authorities in the Netherlands. We understand communication should go through the Central Authority on international Children’s Issues or the FIOM/Adoption Services. Their contact information is included below:

FIOM/Adoption Services
Postbus 290,
3500 AG Utrecht
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 30 233 0340
Fax: +31 30 232 1777
Email: (messages via website below)
Website: www.adoptie.nl

Central Authority on International Children’s Issues
Postbus 20301
2500 EH Den Haag
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 370 62 52