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While I was in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, any news about International adoptions or Ethiopia could send shivers down my spine. I was so worried that adoptions would be halted or the process would somehow change. At one time I considered changing countries because of rumors that Ethiopia was considering not approving adoptions unless the Ethiopian child was at least two years younger than the youngest child in the home. As we were adopting out of birth order these rumors made me very scared.
Yesterday I found out that Ethiopia has halted cases for abandoned children from orphanages in the capital city, Addis Ababa.
State Department published the following statement on May 13th:
Adoptions of Abandoned Children Halted by Ethiopian Court:
The Ethiopian First Instance Court has temporarily stopped accepting cases involving abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa, citing concern over a recent increase in the number of abandoned children being brought for adoption. The number of abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa has grown dramatically in recent months and Ethiopian authorities have become aware of possible cases of unethical practices associated with some of them.Currently neither MOWA nor the First Instance Court are accepting any abandonment case from any orphanages in Addis Ababa pending an inquiry.
Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information on Ethiopia.
My initial reaction was one of sorrow for the parents in process of adopting at this time. How upset and concerned they must be. Of course I am still compassionate for the families, but I also understand that Ethiopia is trying to make sure they are keeping Ethiopian adoptions ethical.
With the recent famine, increase in inflation, decrease in opportunities and the continuing devestation of AIDS in Ethiopia it can seem logical that the numbers of children being abandoned are increased. It appears, however, that the Government has found issue with some recent happenings. Hopefully this will not be a lengthy process, and the adoptions will continue on soon.
If you are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia at this time and have been referred a child, I encourage you to get into contact with your agency. They should know if your child’s case falls under the above circumstances. Hopefully your agency is very supportive and will keep you in the loop of what is going on. Please remember that agencies often get news later than we would like them to get it. With rolling blackouts of electricity it is hard for the offices in Addis to keep in touch with the U.S.
If you are involved in this recent change, please let us know how it is effecting you and your family.
The news of the new court policy concerning abandoned children in Addis Ababa came to us a day after we signed the referral paper work for a beautiful baby girl we so whole heartedly want to adopt. When we received a phone call from our adoption agency a few days earlier we were thrilled and almost euphoric that ‘ proposal ‘ day finally arrived. Weve been waiting for a long time.
The new court policy certainly evokes grief and frustration. From hearing ” you should be traveling to pick up your baby in 4 to 5 months” to ” we dont know what is going on, there is no precedent, we just have to wait this out, were sorry.” its overwhelming…
As hard as this is I understand ethiopian governmnt’s concerns. Children should be protected.
Non the less, the wait and the not knowing is excruciating.
If anyone else is faced with the same challenge and has any new info, a word of advice or encouragement, it would be much appreciated.
To Tori and anyone else affected by the hold, a blog has been started at ethioadoptionnews.blogspot.com to pass on all the information that is out there about the case, it’s been really helpful to me. Our court date was yesterday, and our case wasn’t heard because of the ban. We’re heartbroken.
My court date was May 22nd and I was hoping to bring my son home in June. I was informed that my case was on hold due to this freeze, needless to say I am disappointed. I am anxiously awaiting any news. To all those in the same boat, I truly feel your pain.