Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

The Angels in Adoption® Celebration is returning this fall! Join CCAI on September 29, 2026 in D.C.

This special evening brings together the national community dedicated to supporting children and families. Enjoy a cocktail reception, entertainment, and a short program -- all centered on connection, community, and building momentum so that every child can experience the love and support of a permanent family.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/angels26.

A historic moment for CCAI and our advocacy! ✨

On March 26, 2026, our Executive Director, Kate McLean, testified before the House Appropriations LHHS Subcommittee, marking CCAI’s first time serving as an expert witness before Congress.

Her testimony lifted up three key priorities:
• Making adoption more accessible and ethical
• Ensuring families and youth are fully prepared and supported before and after placement
• Investing in a strong permanency workforce

CCAI centered its testimony on family permanency as the core goal of child welfare, whether through adoption, kinship guardianship, or reunification. Every child deserves a family, and every family deserves a caring community.

Celebrating 25 years since CCAI was founded in 2001!

For a quarter century, this work has been driven by partnership with youth, advocates, and leaders coming together to push for better policies and brighter futures.

We’re grateful for the community behind this milestone and energized for what’s ahead.

Tickets are now on sale for the Angels in Adoption® Celebration! Join us on September 29 and get your tickets today at https://bit.ly/angels26.

Save the date! The Angels in Adoption® Celebration returns on September 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Join CCAI in celebrating the champions of family and connection. Learn more and visit the event page at https://bit.ly/angels26.

Introducing the 2026 Foster Youth Interns! 🎉

These 10 incredible changemakers are headed to Washington, DC, where they’ll be placed in the legislative offices of Members of the U.S. Congress and have the opportunity to research and write a federal child welfare policy report.

Thanks to bipartisan leadership from Adoption Caucus co-chairs, the U.S. Department of State is issuing guidance to consular offices confirming that intercountry adoption cases will continue to be prioritized.

What to know:

✅ Intercountry adoption remains a high priority for the Administration, and adoption-related visas will continue to be processed as expeditiously as possible.

✅ In countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited or paused, children being adopted by U.S. citizens may qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception.

✅ Prospective adoptive families should continue the normal adoption process, including submitting visa applications and attending consular interviews.

✅ No additional steps are required to request consideration under the National Interest Exception; adoption cases will be reviewed and prioritized on a case-by-case basis by the Department of State.

The 28th year of Angels in Adoption® is back on September 28 and 29, 2026 in Washington, D.C!

The Angels in Adoption® honorees have the opportunity to travel to D.C. to participate in a two-day program to meet with congressional offices and other child welfare advocates to hone their advocacy skills, share their experience and expertise, and leave feeling empowered to continue on their good work and inspire others to do so as well.

Congressional offices may submit honoree recommendations through April 15 and the honoree announcement will be made on or around July 1.

Bipartisan leaders of Congress’ Adoption Caucus are taking action to clarify a path forward for intercountry adoption cases. In a letter sent today, congressional leaders of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus are requesting clarification and guidance from the Department of State on how intercountry adoption cases may proceed under current travel restrictions. Read the congressional letter here: https://bit.ly/cca_dos_012626