World Links International Adoption Agency

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

World Links International Adoption Agency (“WLIAA,” “World Links,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information with care, transparency, and respect.

We understand that the information you share with us, especially in connection with adoption services and humanitarian programs, may be personal and sensitive. We collect only the information necessary to support our mission, provide services, and communicate effectively with you.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices you have regarding your information.

By using our website (the “Site”), you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

You may voluntarily provide personal information when you:

  • Contact us through forms or email
  • Apply for or inquire about our services
  • Make a donation
  • Subscribe to newsletters or updates
  • Participate in programs, surveys, or events

This information may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)
  • Any additional information you choose to share

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on the Site
  • Referring website

This information helps us understand how visitors use our Site and improve functionality.

2. Sensitive and Adoption-Related Information

In connection with our adoption services and humanitarian programs, we may collect and process information that is more sensitive in nature than standard website visitor data. This may include:

  • Government-issued identification documents
  • Background check and clearance records
  • Home study reports and assessments
  • Medical and health records
  • Financial statements and employment information
  • Court documents and legal filings
  • Information about children, including photographs, medical history, and developmental records

This information is collected only as required to facilitate adoption services in compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws. It is handled with heightened safeguards, stored securely, and shared only with authorized parties directly involved in the adoption process, such as licensed agencies, government authorities, and legal representatives.

Access to sensitive adoption-related data is strictly limited to personnel and partners with a legitimate need, and all parties are bound by confidentiality obligations.

This Privacy Policy applies primarily to information collected through our website. Information collected as part of the adoption application and case management process may also be governed by additional agreements, disclosures, and applicable regulations, which will be provided to you directly during that process.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and manage our services
  • Respond to inquiries and communicate with you
  • Process donations and transactions
  • Send updates, newsletters, and relevant information
  • Improve our website, programs, and outreach efforts
  • Maintain the security and integrity of our systems
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Ensure the Site functions properly
  • Remember user preferences
  • Analyze website performance and usage

You may control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some features of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

5. Cookie Consent

When you visit our Site, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to choose how cookies are used.

You may:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Customize your preferences

Your preferences can be updated at any time.

We only use non-essential cookies (such as analytics or communication-related cookies) with your consent where required by law.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These are necessary for the operation of our Site and cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies

These help us understand how visitors interact with our Site so we can improve functionality and user experience.

Communication and Outreach Cookies

These may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of our communications and improve engagement with our programs.

6. How We Share Information

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers

With trusted third-party providers who assist us in operating our website and services, such as:

  • Payment processors
  • Email and communication platforms
  • Website hosting and analytics providers

These providers are authorized to use your information only as necessary to perform services on our behalf.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

  • Comply with applicable laws or legal processes
  • Protect the rights, safety, or property of WLIAA, our users, or others

Organizational Changes

In the unlikely event of a merger, restructuring, or transfer of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that process, subject to the protections outlined in this Policy.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:

  • Secure (SSL/TLS) data transmission
  • Restricted access to sensitive information
  • Use of reputable third-party service providers

While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take appropriate steps to protect your information.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request corrections to inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
  • Opt out of receiving marketing or promotional communications

You may unsubscribe from emails at any time using the link provided in our messages.

To make a request, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact Us section below.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy and to comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. General retention guidelines include:

  • Donation and financial transaction records: retained for a minimum of seven (7) years in accordance with IRS and applicable tax regulations
  • Website inquiry and contact form submissions: retained for up to two (2) years unless an ongoing relationship is established
  • Email subscription preferences: retained until you unsubscribe or request removal
  • Adoption service records: retained in accordance with applicable federal, state, and international regulations, which may require long-term or permanent retention depending on the jurisdiction and nature of the records

When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymize it.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website and its related features are intended for use by adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information through the Site from children under the age of 13.

If we become aware that such information has been collected through the Site, we will promptly delete it.

This section applies to data collected through our website. Information about minors gathered as part of our adoption services and humanitarian programs is collected and managed in accordance with applicable laws and is addressed separately under the “Sensitive and Adoption-Related Information” section of this Policy.

11. External Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

12. International Data Protection (GDPR Compliance)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (“EEA”), United Kingdom, or other regions with similar data protection laws, you may have additional rights under applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”).

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information under the following legal bases:

  • Consent
  • Contractual necessity
  • Legitimate interests
  • Legal obligations

Your GDPR Rights

You may have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Request data portability
  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact Us section below.

International Data Transfers

WLIAA is based in the United States. Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where our service providers operate.

We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected through appropriate safeguards.

Right to Lodge a Complaint

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.

13. California Residents

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) may provide you with additional rights regarding your personal information.

Your California Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell or share
  • Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions
  • Correct inaccurate personal information
  • Opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To submit a request, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact Us section. We will verify your identity before processing your request and respond within 45 days as required by law.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, you may reach us by:

Mail: World Links International Adoption Agency, 418 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510

Phone: (570) 344-8890

You may also use our online Contact Form.

World Links International Adoption Agency is the data controller responsible for your personal information. Our designated privacy contact is Maryna Sventukh, International Programs Director, who can be reached at the address above.