§14902 Definitions

Summary

Lists plain meanings for words used in this chapter about intercountry adoption under the Hague Convention. It defines who and what the rules cover. Accredited agency — an agency approved under subchapter II to do Convention adoption work in the United States. Accrediting entity — the body named in section 14922(a) that accredits agencies and approves people under subchapter II. Adoption service — six kinds of help, including finding a child, getting consent, doing background or home studies, deciding best interests and placement, monitoring after placement, and taking temporary custody if an adoption breaks down. Agency — any non‑individual organization. Approved person — a person approved under subchapter II to provide adoption services. Attorney General — means the Attorney General acting through the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, except as used in section 14944. Central authority — the body a Convention country names under Article 6(1). Central authority function — any duty a central authority must carry out under the Convention. Convention — the Hague Convention on intercountry adoption signed May 29, 1993. Convention adoption — an adoption between the United States and another Convention country. Convention record — preserved information about a specific Convention adoption in any format, kept under section 14941(a) by the Secretary of State or the Attorney General, whether or not the adoption was finalized. Convention country — a country that is a party to the Convention. Other Convention country — a Convention country other than the United States. Person — has the meaning in section 1 of title 1 and does not include a government agency or tribal government entity. Person with an ownership or control interest — has the meaning in section 1320a–3(a)(3). Secretary — the Secretary of State. State — the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.