Ethiopia – Process
Overview
Ethiopia is a beautiful country situated in Eastern Africa near the Red Sea with a population of 77 million. It is one of the oldest countries in the world and was the home of the Queen of Sheba. It is one of the very few countries in Africa that was never colonized by Europeans. The empire, which started with Sheba's son, Menelik, continued until 1974 when the death of Haile Selassie marked the end of the 3000 year old dynasty. Following his death, there was a civil war in the country until 1991 when a transitional government was formed. The seventeen years of civil war bankrupted the country and left thousands of orphaned children. The numbers continue to increase as the diseases of poverty cause premature deaths of parents. Learn more about Ethiopia and the Layla House project here.Available Children
AAI has placed over 1000 infants and children from Ethiopia. They tend to have a cheerful outlook despite their difficult lives. Most of the children are healthy by developing world standards because medical care is so scarce that children with serious illnesses generally do not survive. All children are tested during the process for HIV, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and venereal disease. The children range in age from a few months to thirteen years. There is a need for families for siblings.We believe that families applying now for an infant will be able to bring their baby home within 12 to 18 months. Families interested in older children or sibling groups will have a shorter wait.
Applicants who limit their request to a female infant or young siblings will wait the longest for a referral. Families are needed children over the age of 6 years, sibling groups and children with minor to major special needs as well as children who are HIV+. Those applications will be processed immediately.
Parent Eligibility
Couples (with or without children) may apply. Couples must be married for two years. There are no restrictions regarding religion and previous divorces are permitted. There cannot be more than forty-three years difference in age between the youngest adopting parent and the child. However, there are exceptions for older children, children with special needs, and sibling adoptions.Ethiopia no longer routinely accepts single women applicants for healthy children. Single women able to parent children with special needs, most notably HIV, can still complete Ethiopian adoptions at this time.
Hague Convention
The United States has become a signatory country for the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Most of the requirements under the Convention apply to how the agency does business, and AAI has been working to fulfill all the requirements so that it will be a certified agency once the Convention takes effect.Parents are required to complete 10 hours of training. This will include at least one of the two courses recommended by AAI, these courses are presented in DVD format and there is either a multiple choice test or discussion questions that must be completed. The DVD will be sent after AAI receives a family's application.
Referral Information
A photo and available medical information is provided upon referral of the child. All children are tested during the process for HIV, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and venereal disease. A DVD of waiting children is available after you send in your application.Travel
Currently, families travel to Ethiopia twice during the adoption process, once for the initial court date to attend and visit their child, and again several months later when the child is ready to travel. However, the child may be escorted for the second trip and arrangements for this are made through the AAI office.Application Form/Costs
To obtain an information/application packet which includes country profiles and costs contact Brooke at the office or by email at .
