Ethiopia Adoption Blog, Ethiopia Adoption Blog - Agencies Licensed in Ethiopia (updated 9-25-07)

09/26/07

Agencies Licensed in Ethiopia (updated 9-25-07)

Posted by : Mary Owlhaven in Ethiopia Adoption Blog at 07:35 am , 595 words, 3555 views
Categories: Choosing an Agency

The following agencies are currently licensed in Ethiopia. Please note that the comments below are an ongoing conversation that occurred over several months time. Also, the first two agencies are commonly referred to by the same acronym (AAI), but are in fact different agencies.

U.S. Agencies

Adoptions Advocates International
709 S. Peabody
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: 360-452-4777
Email: merrily@adoptionadvocates.org
http://www.adoptionadvocates.org

Adoption Associates International
1338 Baldwin
Jenison, MI 49428
Phone: 616-667-0677
Email: adopt@adoptionassociates.net
http://www.adoptassoc.com/

Adoption Avenues Agency
9498 SW Barbur Blvd Ste 305
Portland OR 97219
Phone: 503 977 2870
Fax: 503 977 5095
E-mail: info@adoptionavenues.org
http://www.adoptionavenues.org

All God's Children International
3308 NE Peerless Place
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 1.800.214.6719
www.allgodschildren.org

Americans For African Adoptions, Inc.

SPONSOR

8910 Timberwood Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46234-1952
Phone: 317-271-4567
Fax: 317-271-8739
Email: amfaa@aol.com
http://www.africanadoptions.org/

America World Adoption Agency
6723 Whittier Ave. Ste 202
McLean, VA 22101
Toll Free: 888-663-2445
Phone: 703-356-8447
Fax: 703-356-8973
Email: info@awaa.org
http://www.awaa.org/home/

Better Future Adoption Services
4813 - 71st Avenue North
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Phone: (763) 566-3458
Fax: (480)247-4270
info@betterfutureadoption.org
http://betterfutureadoption.org/

Children's Home Society & Family Services
1605 Eustis Street
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 651-646-6393
Fax: 651-646-0436
Email: info@chsm.com
http://www.chsm.com

Children's Hope International
Phone: 888-899-2349
Email: Sharon.Turner@ChildrensHope.net
http://www.childrenshopeint.org/

Children's House International
5711 Vista Suite 101B
Ferndale, Washington 98248
Phone: 360-380-1477
Fax: 360-383-0640
http://www.childrenshouseinternational.com

Christian World Adoption
777 South Allen Road
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Phone: 828-693-7007 x307
Fax: 828-693-8113
Email: cwa@cwa.org
http://www.cwa.org

Dove Adoptions International, Inc.
180 North Main Street, Suite A
Banks, Oregon 97106
Phone: 503-324-9010
Fax: 503-324-9080
http://www.adoptions.net

Gladney Center for Adoption
6300 John Ryan Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76132
Toll free: 800-452-3639
Phone: 817-922-6088
Fax: 817-922-5955
Email: info@gladney.org
www.gladney.org

International Adoption Guides
21 East Woodrow Avenue
Belmont, NC 28012
Phone: 704.829.7880
Email: info@adoptionguides.org
http://www.internationaladoptionguides.com/Ethiopia.htm

Wide Horizons for Children, Inc.
38 Edge Hill Road
Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: 781-894-5330
Fax: 781-899-2769
Email: info@whfc.org
http://www.whfc.org

Canadian Agencies

CAFAC
Box 1587
Minnedosa, MB
R0J 1E0
Phone: (204) 874-2104
Fax: (204) 874-2179
Email: roberta@cafac.ca
http://www.cafac.ca/

Kids Link International Adoption Agency
382 Queen Street West - Lower Level
Cambridge, ON N3C 1G8
Phone: 1-877-323-5437
Email: rick@kids-link.ca
http://www.kids-link.ca/ethiopia.htm

I would encourage all parents to ASK any agency you are considering if they are currently licensed and how many children they have brought home. Remember, you will be handing them a heap of money. You have a right to know the specifics. Keep in mind that with the increased interest in Ethiopian adoption, new agencies are getting on the bandwagon. Certainly there can be good new agencies out there. But there is a lot to be said for an agency who has a proven track record and a history of getting children to families in a timely manner.

If you know of a licensed agency not on this list, please let me know so I can add it. I would be glad to hear from representatives of agencies too; let me know when your agency became licensed. I think this is crucial information for adoptive families to know, and I want this list to be as complete as possible. As always, feel free to ask me any questions that you have.

Also read:
Choosing an Agency, Part One
Choosing an Agency, Part Two

50 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Brian [Member]

· http://onthefly.wordpress.com/

What about AFAA?
http://www.africanadoptions.org/

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 10:11

Comment from: apriljacobson [Member]

I have wanted to use AAI, but I found out they will not place two unrelated children at the same time, and all their sibling groups are much older than I am hoping for (5 and under). So I need a referal to a good agency that will either have younger sibling groups, or place two unrelated children together. Any ideas?

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 11:23

Comment from: Brian [Member]

· http://onthefly.wordpress.com/

@apriljacobson

Are you only looking for waiting children? Can't AAI put you on a waiting list for the next sibling group under 5? That's how the agency we worked with (WHFC) does it. I think I heard that Dove will place unrelated siblings, but I have to tell you, adopting two at once that don't know each other sounds like a lot of extra work. I'd encourage you to look for siblings as I think the bond they have to each other may make the transition and bonding to you easier. Just my $0.02.

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 12:03

Comment from: jen [Member]

· www.learningpatience.wordpress.com

April, I am pretty sure that CWA will place unrelated children. We too wanted to go with AAI but ran into the same "problem." We are still waffling on who we are going to use - ug!

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 12:27

Comment from: Mary Owlhaven [Member]

· http://ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com/

I heard from two sources that AFAA is currently working on getting relicensed.

Recently the Ethiopian govt added some new licensing requirements. All the agencies were scrambling to meet the new requirement, and in my understanding AFAA is still working on meeting that new requirement. I would expect that AFAA will soon be relicensed.

If anyone 'in the know' has more current info, please let me know. I want the list to be accurate, and I'll be glad to add any agency who definitely is licensed. As I said, it was challenging to find a current list of licensed agencies.

**************
Update from Mary: This agency is now licensed.

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 13:28

Comment from: Darla [Member]

· http://knutzen-ethiopianjourney.blogspot.com/

If AAI will not place unrelated children, they have good reason. There have been many families in the past who struggled in these cases and they are doing this to lessen the number of "unsuccessful" adoptions. I would encourage you to wait for siblings if your desire is for two children.

Permalink 12/20/06 @ 16:13

Comment from: mommy [Member]

I have heard negative things about AFAA...we are using Adoption Advocates and they are good...we are waiting on our little boy now! But they aren't overly friendly...BUT just thought I'd let you know that AFAA has a bad rep with people I've talked to...

Permalink 12/21/06 @ 09:56

Comment from: scads5 [Member]

We are living the "bringing two home at once" thing right now! (been home about two weeks) Our girls are 1 & 3; it is exhausting, but the bond between them brings them so much comfort & helps the bonding with us SO much. We thought the "unrelated" rule was a pain too, but it is so good to remember what Olyknutzens wrote, the agencies have seen so much; they make rules because they want to see the adjustment time go as smoothly as possible. We used WHFC & waited a little over 4 months for our referral of "2 siblings under 7, at least one girl" (quoted from our homestudy).
Blessings on everyone just beginning...

Permalink 12/21/06 @ 12:22

Comment from: baybook [Member]

I would like to know if anyone has any feedback on adoption associates ethiopia adoption program. ;-)

Permalink 01/16/07 @ 12:52

Comment from: jillybean1023 [Member]

We are using Adoption Associates in Jenison, Michigan. We are finishing up the homestudy process this week. So far, we have absolutely no complaints. Everyone from the receptionist to the coordinator are very friendly and honestly don't mind that I continually call with questions.

Our dossier is getting underway next week so we will see how smoothly that goes. It is a new program (three families have come home at this point) but there are over 20 families in process right now.

Jill

Permalink 03/06/07 @ 06:09

Comment from: England mom [Member]

We are working with Children's House International and have nothing but positive to say. I really liked that we were able to use a social worker here in Utah who was already affiliated with Children's House. I also liked that we were able to contact the first family to go through their program.

Permalink 03/06/07 @ 07:53

Comment from: England mom [Member]

Let me add Children's House International's information to your list...
5711 Vista Suite 101B
Ferndale, Washington 98248
1-360-380-1477

Permalink 03/06/07 @ 07:59

Comment from: BethPie [Member]

International Adoption Guides in NC does Ethiopian adoptions. Although we are adopting from Haiti, our dossier assistant from IAG handles the Ethiopian adoptions, too (and has two Ethiopian children).

International Adoption Guides
21 East Woodrow Avenue
Belmont, NC 28012
Phone: 704.829.7880
Email: info@adoptionguides.org
http://www.internationaladoptionguides.com/Ethiopia.htm

*****************

Note from Owlhaven: I'm currently checking on their licensure status

Permalink 03/16/07 @ 07:44

Comment from: charkins [Member]

Children's Hope International is now officially licensed in Ethiopia. They are an excellent agency.

christi

Permalink 04/18/07 @ 17:32

Comment from: tanyajill [Member]

· http://asinglemum.blogspot.com/

I was wondering if you could add some Canadian agencies to your list? I have tried to contact some you have listed, but they are not able to work with me as I am in Canada. I know that CAFAC www.cafac.ca and Kids Link
www.kids-link.ca

Permalink 04/19/07 @ 08:33

Comment from: Mary Owlhaven [Member]

· http://ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com/

Tanya, I'll be glad to add them if you can verify that they are licensed in Ethiopia.

Mary

Permalink 04/19/07 @ 08:41

Comment from: askog [Member]

Hello. We are adopting from Ethiopia and going through CAFAC. CAFAC and Kids Link are the only two agencies in Canada licensed in Ethiopia at this time.
Anna (first time blog commenter!)

Permalink 04/19/07 @ 10:25

Comment from: poshbabyposh [Member]

Hello! We are adopting from Ethiopia as well. Our agency has a new Ethiopia program (has mainly done China and Russia for years). They have recently done a referral for a family that is two unrelated children. The agaency is America World (AWAA). I have been using them for over a year (was going to China, switching to Ethiopia). They are amazing.

Permalink 04/19/07 @ 10:49

Comment from: CinnamonOpus [Member]

· http://www.cinnamonopus.com

We're adopting from Ethiopia as well. I can also confirm that Kids Link in Canada is licensed in Ethiopia.

Permalink 04/20/07 @ 08:22

Comment from: yesallninearemine [Member]

We are starting an adoption for Ethiopia. We have actually adopted previously - we have 4 kids from Ukraine (2 trips), 1 from Guatemala, and 2 girls from S. Vietnam (adopted domestically - long story). Would love to hear from jillybean1023 since we are SW Michigan too and are having a terrible time picking a home study agency. Need specific input from anyone who has used an agency in this area.
Thanks in advance

Permalink 04/20/07 @ 15:54

Comment from: roomfortwomore [Member]

We also are using Adoption Associates out of Jenison, MI for our Ethiopian adoption. We would have no qualms about recommending them. We started the process back in January and two weeks ago sent our dossier to D.C.. The staff is friendly and helpful. Things are going very smoothly thus far. The homestudy was quick and relatively painless.

Permalink 04/20/07 @ 16:45

Comment from: dmbforman [Member]

Does anyone know if Adoption Avenues in Portland, Oregon is fully licensed? Thank you.

Permalink 04/21/07 @ 08:44

Comment from: mrschawk [Member]

American World is now fully licenced! Could you add their info also.
America World Adoption
6723 Whittier Ave. Ste 202
McLean, VA 22101
Toll Free: 888-663-2445
Phone: 703-356-8447
Fax: 703-356-8973

Email: info@awaa.org

Permalink 05/16/07 @ 09:06

Comment from: mrschawk [Member]

Oops, that shouls be American World Adoption Agency. Here is their link!
http://www.awaa.org/home/

Your fast! ;) Thanks for adding them!

Permalink 05/16/07 @ 09:21

Comment from: Jesi [Member]

Yes, Adoption Avenues is licensed in Ethiopia! Please add them to the list. They have at least 1 family home at this point. I just began working with them, and so far I get answers to my questions within an hour or two. The director, Radu, is very responsive and helpful!

Adoption Avenues
9498 SW Barbur Blvd.
Suite 305
Portland, OR 97219

info@adoptionavenues.org

Permalink 05/20/07 @ 14:28

Comment from: winzerlove [Member]

I noticed above that Christian World Adoption is listed as NOT RECOMMENDED. My husband and I were looking into using this agency and I'd like to be aware of any issues that might exist.

Permalink 06/04/07 @ 16:26

Comment from: kgross2007 [Member]

I am trying to decide between Wide Horizons and Children's Home Society & Family Services. If anyone has information and experience with either agency and is willing to share please contact me at kgross2007 at yahoo--thanks!

Permalink 06/09/07 @ 21:09

Comment from: kmelton713 [Member]

My husband and I, too, are deciding between Wide Horizona and Children's Home Society and Family services. Please share any feedback @ kmelton713@yahoo.com. Thank you!!

Permalink 06/27/07 @ 21:02

Comment from: paigecl [Member]

· http://rocktowindastringaround.com

Dove will place unrelated children together. Typically, it seems that the children are very young if placed as unrelated 'siblings' with Dove (under age 4). I'm sure there are exceptions, but most unrelated placements seem to involve infants.

Adoption Avenues works with the same terrific orphanage (Toukoul) and staff. I wonder if the policies there will be the same--it would be worth checking into--the wait seems considerably shorter and I've heard glowing things about Radu and his staff.

Permalink 08/31/07 @ 12:21

Comment from: grimes_family [Member]

I must have missed something...was CWA (Christian World Adoption) on a "not recommended" list? I saw a comment from 'winzerlove' above that confused me. We are thinking of using that agency...what was the deal?

Permalink 09/01/07 @ 20:21

Comment from: myla [Member]

For those requesting info, CHSFS is a wonderful agency and has an excellent reputation. Though Wide Horizon is known to be good as well. I would spend time researching both agencies, join the CHSFS forum, and interview the agencies you are interested in.
Myla

Permalink 09/02/07 @ 14:17

Comment from: Mary Owlhaven [Member]

· http://ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com/

Note from Mary/Owlhaven: If you are considering using CWA (or any agency for that matter) an excellent resource is the archives of the EthiopiaAdopt yahoogroup. You'll have to join the yahoogroup first. Type the agency's name into the 'Search' box, and read the comments. It is a good way to find people to contact privately who have used the various agencies.

Permalink 09/02/07 @ 16:39

Comment from: perfectorange [Member]

Illien Adoptions International are also licensed in Ethiopia.

Permalink 09/04/07 @ 09:14

Comment from: tann [Member]

Just wanted to let you know of another great agency that is now licensed in Ethiopia as of January 2007.

All God's Children International
3308 NE Peerless Place
Portland, OR 97232
1.800.214.6719
www.allgodschildren.org

We love this agency and are currently waiting for the courts to open to go pick up our son.

Permalink 09/05/07 @ 22:39

Comment from: The Farmer's Wife [Member]

I have been in touch with Hope Adoption Agency from Missouri. We are JUST beginning the process and have not sent in our application yet. According to their website, they claim to be licensed. I've heard good things from friends that have adopted through them.

I noticed they were on your "maybe licensed" list. Is there any new information you have...how do I double check that their claim is correct and that they are, infact, licensed. Their director is currently IN Ethiopia until October. Help! I need help with this before I send in the application.

Permalink 09/11/07 @ 12:35

Comment from: The Farmer's Wife [Member]

PS...their website is

http://www.hopeadoptionagency.org

Permalink 09/11/07 @ 12:36

Comment from: Deb Donatti [Member]

· http://open.adoptionblogs.com

Wow, I did not realize so many agencies were lisenced in Ethiopia!

Permalink 09/26/07 @ 21:51

Comment from: JanetP [Member]

I thought Celebrate Children in Oviedo Florida was licensed. Anybody have experience with them?

Permalink 09/28/07 @ 11:05

Comment from: kcrew [Member]

This is my second adoption (first one was from Russia with a different agency) and I'm using Adoption Avenues. Radu has been wonderful in helping me and is always quick to answer any questions. His heart is to place children, not just in taking your money. We are adopting 2 unrelated children and we have had no restrictions. I would highly recommend his agency to anyone. He really cares about the children and being honest with the adoptive families.

Permalink 09/28/07 @ 12:57

Comment from: eranha [Member]

I am just starting to look into Ethiopian adoption, just gathering information. (We are near the end of our adoption from Haiti.) I also wanted to add that Bethany Christian Services just began an adoption program in Ethiopia. I don't really know much about it, but just wanted to share this.

Permalink 09/29/07 @ 07:43

Comment from: teahouselj [Member]

I just wanted to add that Adoption Avenues in Portland is licensed in Ethiopia. (Oops-I just realized that they are officially on the list now.) Anyway, it has been a great experience for us. We now have a referral and are waiting to have him home soon. My experience with Radu has been very positive.

Permalink 10/18/07 @ 17:37

Comment from: kimbiegler [Member]

Hello everyone - I'm new to posting here. We are trying to decide between Love Basket and Hope Adoption Agency (both based out of Missouri). Does anyone have feedback on either of these agencies: licensed, time frame, etc? I see Farmer's Wife posted on the beginning stages with Hope in Sept - anything new you can pass along? Thanks!

Permalink 10/28/07 @ 17:39

Comment from: calebstoll [Member]

CWA had been previously listed as 'Do Not Use' because of the ongoing situation with 3 children and 2 families. The paperwork of each of the 3 girls is intermingled and the girls went home with the wrong families. CWA is yet to help resolve the issue 10 months later. The President of the First Instance Courts in Ethiopia said to CWA that they "are a stain on Ethiopia's pride and an embarassment to adoption" for what they have done in regards to this case.

Permalink 11/01/07 @ 22:26

Comment from: sushiqueen07 [Member]

Anyone have exp. or know someone w/ disability friendly agency? One parent in wheelchair ( fully function working..etc...)

Permalink 01/25/08 @ 11:29

Comment from: jhammond8 [Member]

looking for anyone who has had experience with better futures

Permalink 02/08/08 @ 22:42

Comment from: tropdoc [Member]

Can anyone help me? I look at this adoption process from the other end. I want to get the best situations for the wee ones that I rescue from the rural areas. My most burning question: for the agencies that claim to be Christian, do any of them define "Christian" as anything other than "Anyone who is willing to pay our fees"? I would like to see my wee ones placed in homes that are Protestant, Catholic, or Jewish, exclusive of the cults. It seems that this is too much to ask.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 02:24

Comment from: tropdoc [Member]

CWA is very bad news from this end. If/when the powers that be call them on their behavior, those of you who have used them could have huge problems.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 02:27

Comment from: robing [Member]

We are just beginning to consider the possibilty of adoption. I have been researching lots of agencies. I would like to hear feedback from anyone who has used Adoption Advocates International, Adoption Avenues, or Children's Home Society and Family Services. Does anyone have experience with the CHSFS office in Springfield, VA?

Permalink 05/23/08 @ 13:27

Comment from: jillbertason [Member]

I'm interested in AFAA. What kind of issues have people had with them?

Permalink 07/12/08 @ 10:02

Comment from: davenkam [Member]

My husband and I just decided to start our adoption process and so far Ethiopia looks like the best choice for us. We are contacting our local Bethany Christian Services. I know their Ethiopian program is semi new. Anyone use Bethany in the past or know anything about their experience with Ethiopia?

Permalink 07/16/08 @ 16:05

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