Ethiopia is a beautiful country situated in Eastern Africa near the Red Sea, with a population of 53 million. It is one of the oldest countries in the world.
A lot of children are living in institutions because they are orphaned due to poverty, the residual effects of war, or their parents may have died of disease or can no longer care for them. The children are well cared for in orphanages, but are in great need of a loving family environment.
Their health status is monitored on a continuous basis. Most of the children are healthy by third world standards. Medical care is scarce so children with serious illnesses generally do not survive. All children are tested during the process for HIV, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and venereal disease. Children tend to have a cheerful outlook despite their difficult lives. The children range in age from a few months to 10 years; sibling groups available.
Single women and couples (with or without biological/other adoptive children) may apply. Couples must be married for 2 years. There are no restrictions regarding religion and previous divorce is accepted. There is no set age difference between the adoptive parent and child; however, greatest amount of flexibility in this area will be for older children, special needs, and sibling adoptions. The median age of death within the country encourages that 'older parents' not request very young infants: documentation can provide substantiation for health status and guardianship availability.
Adoptive parents complete a dossier; once the dossier is complete, adoptive parents may receive a referral of a child typically within three to four months. Upon acceptance of the referral, the dossier is sent to Ethiopia and together with the referral paperwork, presented to the Ethiopian government for review. From receipt of dossier in Ethiopia until child travels home, it takes approximately 1 to 4 months. Parents are encouraged to travel to Ethiopia but escort is acceptable to bring the child home. Parents should understand that traveling is preferred as the memories and bonding with the child as they leave all that is familiar is foundational to becoming a family. Parents NOT meeting the child before the completed process will alter the child's citizenship status upon arriving in the US: re-adoption will be required and documents to apply for citizenship will then need to be filed.
A lot of children are living in institutions because they are orphaned due to poverty, the residual effects of war, or their parents may have died of disease or can no longer care for them. The children are well cared for in orphanages, but are in great need of a loving family environment.
Their health status is monitored on a continuous basis. Most of the children are healthy by third world standards. Medical care is scarce so children with serious illnesses generally do not survive. All children are tested during the process for HIV, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and venereal disease. Children tend to have a cheerful outlook despite their difficult lives. The children range in age from a few months to 10 years; sibling groups available.
Single women and couples (with or without biological/other adoptive children) may apply. Couples must be married for 2 years. There are no restrictions regarding religion and previous divorce is accepted. There is no set age difference between the adoptive parent and child; however, greatest amount of flexibility in this area will be for older children, special needs, and sibling adoptions. The median age of death within the country encourages that 'older parents' not request very young infants: documentation can provide substantiation for health status and guardianship availability.
Adoptive parents complete a dossier; once the dossier is complete, adoptive parents may receive a referral of a child typically within three to four months. Upon acceptance of the referral, the dossier is sent to Ethiopia and together with the referral paperwork, presented to the Ethiopian government for review. From receipt of dossier in Ethiopia until child travels home, it takes approximately 1 to 4 months. Parents are encouraged to travel to Ethiopia but escort is acceptable to bring the child home. Parents should understand that traveling is preferred as the memories and bonding with the child as they leave all that is familiar is foundational to becoming a family. Parents NOT meeting the child before the completed process will alter the child's citizenship status upon arriving in the US: re-adoption will be required and documents to apply for citizenship will then need to be filed.
Program Overview
Type of Referral African decent - 100%
Age of Referral Newborns to toddlers to older children; sibling groups
Referral Waiting Time Process completed 5-7 months following dossier going to the country
Travel Time frame One trip of 6-7 days; children can be escorted.
Paperwork Court dossier only about 15-20 documents, each certified and authenticated.
Program Fees based on child’s age
In-Country Fees Variable
Post- Placement Three reports: 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
Consulate Registration Not required
Age of Referral Newborns to toddlers to older children; sibling groups
Referral Waiting Time Process completed 5-7 months following dossier going to the country
Travel Time frame One trip of 6-7 days; children can be escorted.
Paperwork Court dossier only about 15-20 documents, each certified and authenticated.
Program Fees based on child’s age
In-Country Fees Variable
Post- Placement Three reports: 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
Consulate Registration Not required
