Ethiopian Adoptions

Ethiopian adoptions are an affordable option when it comes to adopting a child internationally. Despite the hardships they may endure, children of Ethiopia are loving and beautiful.

Ethiopian is the oldest independent country in Africa and also known as “the land of a thousand smiles”

Due to drought, floods, famine, and disease, many thousands of Ethiopian children have been put into institutions or orphanges, because their parents are either no longer living or are unable to care for them.

Ethiopian adoptions are growing. The number of adoptions in 2007 grew to 1,225 from 732 adoptions in 2006. These numbers have grown 6 fold since 2002, with the estimated number of adoptions being 105.

Children Available:

From infants to toddlers to school age to sibling groups, there are many children awaiting a family to adopt them.

Approximate Costs:

From $20,000 to $25,000.

Adoptive Parents Eligiblity Requirements:

The adoptive parents age is to be no more than 40 years greater than that of the adopted child, however, this is flexible for older or special needs children.

As of Jan. 2009, only two-parent families will be eligible to adopt and single parents will be limited to special cases only.

Travel Requirements:

After receiving the final proposal one or both parent must travel to pick up your child(ren). Then a stay of 5-10 days is required to complete the adoption.

Timeline:

From the time the dossier is completed until the referral, the process will take from 12 to 24 months. Possibly faster if the child is older than a year.

An Ethiopian Adoption Video

Q. What is the length of the process once the dossier is submitted to Ethiopia?

A. Depending on the age, number, and gender of children you would like to adopt, you should receive your referral within two to nine months after your dossier is sent to Ethiopia. Once you have accepted your referral, the court proceedings will take place in approximately two months time.

Q. What is the length of stay in Ethiopia?

A. As I mentioned, your stay will be approximately one week to ten days. Don't forget to include one day of traveling to Ethiopia and one day of traveling home. You will receive your child the day before your U.S. Embassy appointment. During your time in Ethiopia, you will have many opportunities for sightseeing.

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