The Joint Council for International Children’s Services (JCICS) is one of the oldest and largest membership associations of licensed non-profits international adoptions agencies, child advocacy groups, parent support groups and medical clinics.  JCICS began its work over twenty-five years ago as a grassroots professional organization that provided a forum for agency directors to share and exchange information, ideas, and their visions of international adoption and child welfare. 

Over time, as the need for organized intercountry adoption advocacy developed, JCICS evolved into a strong membership organization that works to promote the highest standards of ethical practice in intercountry adoption.  Today JCICS represents over 200 organizations who work in fifty-one countries around the globe and support over 75% of all children adopted internationally by U.S. citizens.  

Besides continuing to provide a forum for professional exchange through the annual Medical Institute and Conference, JCICS has become a point of contact for government officials, foreign delegations and embassies both within the United States and abroad.  The JCICS Board and staff work closely with the Department of State, INS, foreign ministries and governments, and Congress to address concerns in international adoption and advocate for the best interests of children.  JCICS has been successful in contributing to groundbreaking legislation such as the Intercountry Adoption Act and the Child Citizenship Act and has also helped to resolve intercountry adoption problems that have arisen in foreign countries.  

As the world of intercountry adoption continues to change and become more complex, there will be an increased need for JCICS to represent its membership by becoming a more active and valued player in the adoption community.  Progressive partnerships between JCICS and US and foreign governments, lawmakers, and other NGO’s will serve to improve the lives of the countless children abroad that need loving families to attain their full potential.