The children are beautiful! They have a cheerful outlook despite their difficult lives and hardships faced every day.
The children are brought to the orphanage for various reasons. The most often is the father has abandoned the family and the mother cannot afford to feed the child. This is a heart breaking situation for these mothers, who often refrain from relinquishing their child until the child is malnourished.
Considering the level of poverty they were raised in, most of the children are healthy by third world standards. When arriving at the orphanages, most children are malnourished. Within weeks of their arrival most children have started gaining weight and thrive on the love and attention they receive.
When admitted to an orphanage all children receive a medical exam and are tested for:
- Thyroxin
- HsTSH
- ABO Group and RH Typing
- Hep B SurfaceAg
- Hepatitis C Antibody
- HIV Ab/Ag
- DNA PCR
The children available for adoption range in age between two months and 14 years of age. Twins and siblings are also available.
Simultaneous adoption of non-related child is permitted. For infants, we request two years age separation between the children being adopted and children currently in the home. Exceptions are made, but will require prior approval. Other children, we request a one year age separation between the children being adopted and children currently in the home, unless siblings are being adopted.
We do not separate siblings.
Who can adopt from Ethiopia?
Our services are available to all prospective adoptive parents, married or single, who are citizens of the United States and it Territories. (At least one parent must be a citizen of the US)
Married couples need to have been married at least two years at the time the adoption is finalized.
Age Requirement: 25 to 55 years of age. Other ages are considerate, but requires prior approval.
What can I specify about my prospective child?
- Age range
- Gender
- Health status (including any special needs you would consider)
What information is available when I receive a referral of a prospective child?
- Photo of the child taken at time of admittance to orphanage.
- Medical Certificate completed by medical doctor in Ethiopia
- Test Results from International Clinical Laboratories in Ethiopia
Do I have to travel to Ethiopia?
Effective May 9, 2010, Ethiopia requests that one or both parents appear in court.
After court is passed, prospective parent(s) may travel to Ethiopia for the Embassy appointment or have the child escorted from Ethiopia. For married applicants: if desired, one parent may choose not to travel.
Approximately how much does it cost?
There are many costs associated with international adoption. Costs that are included in your fees to the agency may vary depending on a child’s age and special needs classification but will be approximately $13,470 for Ethiopia. (See fee schedule.) Please contact us for more specifics.
Approximately how long does the process take?
Currently you can expect the process to take up to one year. The time is based from the time you submit your application to brining your child home.
Currently from the time your submit your dossier to Ethiopia, it will take up to three months for a referral.
Many things contribute to the length of time the process takes, therefore, times are approximate and submit to change.
What else should I know?
Adopting a child from Ethiopia is a very rewarding experience, but the process can be very trying. The culture is very laid back and although computers are used, the electric and phones lines are unreliable causing many delays.
One hour could mean, one week, one month, or one year. You will need much patience during the process, but the reward is more than worth it.
Ethiopian’s have a coffee ceremony every day and drinking coffee is a daily ritual. Many Ethiopian’s stop for coffee like Americans stop for a drink of water. If you are not a coffee drinker and are offered coffee, ask for tea. Although not as popular, it is acceptable to drink tea.
Ethiopia Links
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