Ethiopia Adoption Information

Posted in Adoption Resources - Country Resources

Ethiopian Adoption - Children Adopted from Ethiopia

Background

With a population of approximately 77 million, more than half of Ethiopians are living below the poverty line. The famine that ravages the country is one of the most serious crises facing Africa today, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Millions face chronic food and water shortages, and much of the population lacks access to clean water, health care and education. Ethiopia is roughly twice the size of Texas, with an estimated 5 million orphans! While adoption has become prevalent in Ethiopia, for every one healthy infant that is adopted countless children who are older or have special needs are still in need of a home.

Eligibility Requirements

For married couples, at least one parent must be age 25 or older, and the other parent must be age 21 or older; both parents must be age 60 or younger. Single women can adopt from Ethiopia and must be age 25-60. There can be no more than 45 years age difference between mother’s age and the age of the younger adopted child. Parents must be married a minimum of one year at the time paperwork is submitted to Ethiopia. There are no restrictions on the number or ages of children already in the home. Ethiopia does have some restrictive regulations regarding the health of adopting parents.

Processing Time

Application through arriving home with child, a, is dependent upon child request. Approximate timeframe is 10-24 months. The initial dossier submission process takes approximately 4-6 months.

Age of Children Available

Children of ages between 1 month - 15 years are available, with an option to adopt a sibling group. Both healthy boys and girls are available.

Travel Requirements

Ethiopia adoption will require two trips of approximately 5-10 days – the first trip to see the child prior to the court hearing, and a second trip for the US Embassy interview. Child will be brought home at the conclusion of the second trip. For married couples, the first trip will require both parents to travel; one or both parents will travel on the second trip. Escorts are not an option with Ethiopian adoptions.

The Ethiopian government has recently changed their policies regarding the first trip to the country. Information will be updated when an official statement is released.

Post-Adoption Paperwork

Ethiopia requires that parents submit 3 post-adoption reports during the first year home, all written by a social worker. The first is submitted about 3 months after coming home, the second about 6 months after coming home, and the third at 12 months. After the first year, one report is due annually until the child reaches the age of 18. These reports for year 2 and on are completed by the parent, and do not require a social worker.