On June 2, 2022, the Department announced its designation of Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS) as a second accrediting entity (AE) to work alongside the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity, Inc. (IAAME) to accredit, approve, monitor, and oversee U.S. intercountry adoption service providers. The public notice, published on the same date, provided information about CEAS and IAAME’s respective jurisdictions and transition planning.  

The Office of Children’s Issues, IAAME, and CEAS are collectively committed to a ensuring a smooth transition for ASPs as CEAS assumes the AE role. The required review and approval of systems, procedures, and a fee schedule are still underway. The Department will publish CEAS’ fee schedule once it has been approved, and will ensure ASPs and others interested in intercountry adoption have at least 30 days' notice before CEAS becomes operational and begins its oversight of ASPs in its jurisdiction.   

Until CEAS officially assumes the AE role, IAAME has the sole authority and responsibility to accredit, approve, monitor, and oversee all ASPs.