Here’s an article published on articlesbase.com You might like to read my other articles on that site. Susan
Children of all ages are now being made available at record levels through Ethiopian adoption. International adoption agency adoptions are the safest and most secure way to participate in an Ethiopian adoption. However, care and understanding should be taken by anyone considering an international adoption of any kind. When considering an international adoption agency, an Ethiopian adoption might be a good choice, but these 10 tips may help in the decision process.
- All international adoption agencies are not principled. Unfortunately there are less than honest individuals and groups who play on the emotions of potential adoption parents in an effort to encourage people to adopt through them. Some of these groups show photo listings on the Internet which are designed to lure the adopting parent into an impulsive decision and cloud the judgment. Don’t be fooled by these types of adoption advertising. As one blogger said in her blog, don’t spend more time researching a car than they do researching an Ethiopian adoption.
- How can I be assured of an ethical Ethiopian adoption agency? There are two important ways to tell if your Ethiopian adoption agency is ethical. Find out if the adoption agency is a member of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services (JCICS) and/or is Hague Accredited. These two adoption agency recommendations can help you be assured of the adoption agency’s ethics during the adoption process and that the international adoption fees and expenses are set by the U.S. State Department. Don’t just take the international adoption agency’s word; check out your agency on the JCICS and state adoption sites.
- What is the time wait for an Ethiopian adoption? Don’t let anyone fool you, the wait time for Ethiopian adoptions is increasing as more and more restrictions and care is placed on placing these unique international adoptions. It now takes 12 to 18 months to finalize an Ethiopian adoption. The Ethiopian adoption courts are becoming stricter, and the government workers who are processing the international adoption paperwork on the children are becoming more vigilant. Will I have to worry about the international adoption political climate as I work toward an Ethiopian adoption? Yes. While Ethiopia is a democratic nation, the government is very fragile. However, a well educated and involved international adoption agency will be aware of all of these concerns and any potential changes or alerts from the U.S. government and be able to address any Ethiopian adoption problems that occur. Do I have to travel to Ethiopia to finalize my international adoption? Yes. In the past, those finalizing Ethiopian adoptions could hire a guardian to bring the child to the U.S. This saved money for airfare, hotels, travel, and other necessities. However, since Ethiopian adoptions have become stricter, adopting parents are required to make two trips to Ethiopia. Both of the adopting parents/parent are required to make the first trip to appear in person to “confirm” that they want to adopt the child. This trip lasts about five to 10 days. Beginning in May of 2010, the Ethiopian adoption courts change policy and now only require one parent to appear at the second adoption court hearing for the Ethiopian adoption finalization. The second trip can be anywhere from six to 12 weeks later, and is another five to 10 days to finalize the Ethiopian adoption.
- Is a home study necessary with an Ethiopian adoption? Absolutely. Every international adoption agency will tell you the same thing–a strict home study by an approved home study social worker is essential. Most Ethiopian adoption agencies will work in partnership with an adoption agency working with U.S. adoptions. Adoption agencies are licensed to work in the U.S. in particular states. These adoption agencies should also be licensed and accredited and have an ethical background. The home study is designed to help you be placed with the child for whom you are best suited. You will be asked all kinds of questions by the adoption agency’s home study social worker who will translate the adoption information into answers for the tons of paperwork required for the Ethiopian adoption. Ethiopian adoptions are becoming more restrictive as the courts and government offices become more involved. This is both helpful, but will cause even more paperwork or disqualify someone for adoption from Ethiopian adoption. The Ethiopian adoption agency will help the adopting couple through the layers of paperwork and help you understand if you are eligible for an Ethiopian adoption. The minimum age for adopting couples is 25, with the couple having to have been married at least one year. In addition the maximum age of the mother is 45 years older than the adopted child. There are important health restrictions on the adopting parent’s use of prescriptions medications and there will be a criminal background check.
- What are the health concerns I should know before an Ethiopian adoption? International adoptions often have health concerns: diseases, illnesses and handicaps. Ethiopian adoptions are no different. Many of the Ethiopian adoption children will be underweight since 65% of rural households live on $1.00/day and in poverty. Many families share the house with livestock and sanitation is often non-existent. Ethiopian adoption children may have communicable diseases, HIV, or Hepatitis. There are few doctors, hospitals or health centers and the average life expectance is 45 years old. Other children may have been severely traumatized or have what is called an attachment disorder. An ethical, JCICS and Hague Accredited Ethiopian adoption agency will work hard to provide the health records of the children they work with. The adoption courts will only allow adoptions of those children who can meet strict U.S. and Ethiopian adoption requirements.
Hopefully you will be able to find an exceptional adoption agency who will work with you in your adoption process. Best wishes in your adoption.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/ethiopian-adoptions-five-keys-3725799.html#ixzz1DyTMYClX
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