Changes in Ethiopian Processing
Looks like it may be spring before I meet my sweet S. I am so very sad inside but equally peaceful that I was led to a country that makes ethical and sound decisions for the future of their children--our children. I only hope this is a time delay and not something more.
Changes in Processing:
The Ethiopian government has implemented some changes in how the adoptions are being approved. Although these changes are currently in place, there is a movement of many people who are involved in the adoption process that are advocating that this may not be in the best interest of the children. However, the government has stated that these changes are being put into place in order to reduce the number of children with living parents adopted internationally. In addition to this, the government seems to believe that this added step in the processing will ensure that relinquishments are done in an ethical and legal manner.
Recently the Ethiopian Government started requiring all of the relinquishments to go through Central Authority for an additional approval before continuing onto the Courts. Even if my agency has already previously been scheduled a court date for a family, the file will be required to go back through this new channel before the court date can be approved and a decree given.
Currently the courts are scheduling court dates for more than a month out. Also, the new Central Authority, which is called the Civil and Social Affairs office, are not sending their approvals before the previously scheduled court dates. For this reason unfortunately the timeframe of my adoption and travel dates will most likely be lengthened more than I thought.Please keep my little girl and all of the waiting children at Hannah's Hope in your thoughts and prayers.
So...what's next?
Below is an overview of an Ethiopian adoption process from the time my agency receives adoptive parents' completed dossier and home study.
Agency Sends Dossier for Authentication and Translation Check!
Agency will forward adoptive parents’ dossier to the U.S. State Department and the Ethiopian Embassy for authentication. Once processed, the agency will forward the dossier to our staff in Ethiopia where it is translated
Referral Process Check!
Once the dossier is in Ethiopia, adoptive parents can wait six to eight months for a referral of a child. Once referred, the agency will send the adoptive parents referral photos, medical information and the child’s background information, including any known family history. Upon acceptance of referral, the agency's foreign staff will submit adoptive parents’ dossier, with the referred child’s documentation to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA).
Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA) Reviews Documentation Check!
MOWA is the branch of the Ethiopian government that reviews all documentation submitted by the adoptive parents and on behalf of the referred child recommends the adoption to be finalized to the Federal Court of Addis Ababa.
Federal Court Date November 11, 2008 Check!
Once MOWA recommends the adoption to be finalized, a court appointment is scheduled. At this appointment, the judge can either finalize the adoption or ask for further documentation and set another court date. Once the adoption is finalized, the court decree, new birth certificate and passport are issued, and the adoptive parents can travel.
Travel December 6, 2008 - December 11, 2008
Adoptive parents should be ready to travel within two to four months after accepting a referral. One parent is required to travel and the in-country stay in Ethiopia is five to seven days. During this time, adoptive parents will complete the U.S. Embassy Immigration appointment for the adopted child, which is necessary to bring the child to the United States. The agency's in-country staff will accompany each family throughout their entire stay in Ethiopia.
Post-Adoption- Until the child turns 18 years old In Process
In Ethiopia, an adoption is finalized before entrance into the United States. Upon arrival, post-adoption reports are due at three, six, and 12 months on the anniversary of the U.S. Embassy appointment date. After the first year, family authored self reports are due every year until the child reaches 18 years of age.
12 comments:
Praying for you!
Praying for all of us as we wait to see what this change will mean. May God grant us peace as we wait.
We'll get there...:)
gosh Missy, tough news to bear...down goes the roller coaster...painfully brutal- thinking of you and waiting with you...chin up girl! you and baby "S" have all our support!
Not fun news! I wish we all live close to each other....we could be sad together!
Michelle
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Michelle
It just makes me ill to think of it. We don't even have our referral yet and thinking that the already long wait will be even longer...ugh. I'm really, really worried that Ethiopia will do as Vietnam did and shut things down while they straighten things out. So glad our Heavenly Father is in control!
Sarah
PS And I agree with Michelle: I wish we all were closer so we could all cry and hug in person together!
Oh Melissa... I'm so sorry...
I am praying for you, your sweet baby girl, & Ethiopian adoptions as a whole. Rest in His peace!
I am definitely praying for you Melissa! I know God will unite you, and I'm praying it is sooner than later.
I love the post about the packing and all of the stuff you've bought - how AWESOME :)!
Delays in Central Asia as well. Looks like we're both in the same boat.
Much love to you and your daughter.
Auntie Pammie
We got some very promising and encouraging news yesterday. I will keep you posted!
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