What are the age requirements for parents adopting in Ethiopia?
Prospective parents may range in age from 25 - 55. Couples 25 to 46 years old may adopt children 0-12 months and up; 47 to 49 years old, 2 years and older; and 50 to 55 years old, 7 years and older.
Are singles allowed to adopt?
A limited number of applications from singles are currently being accepted.
How old are the available children?
Infant to 15 years old.
Can I request the age of the child I'd like to adopt?
Ethiopia's preference is that the youngest adoptive parent be no more that 40 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
Are sibling groups available?
Yes.
May I adopt 2 unrelated children at the same time?
No, each new child needs time to integrate into the family.
Do both parents have to travel?
Both parents are required to travel for the first trip. Only one parent is required for the second.
Is the adoption final in Ethiopia?
Yes, if both parents see the child before the adoption is finalized in the court, the child is an automatic US citizen upon arriving in the United States.
How long does it take?
Usually it takes about 3-6 months to get your papers collected to send to Ethiopia. You will receive a referral in approximately 12months for a female, 8-10 months for a male and 16+ months for young sibling set. (Your referral for an older child may be shorter.) Please note, referral times can change at any time during the process and as more families submit applications to adopt from Ethiopia. A 2-trip process was implemented by the Ethiopian government in May 2010. Upon your acceptance of your referral, travel is approximately 2 months later for the first trip, of 3-4 days. the second trip is approximately 4-6 weeks later, for 5-7 days.
What information is received upon referral?
A photo, medical information and some background information about the child.
How much does it cost?
Adoption cost are approximately $26,000 for one child, including travel.
Are the children tested for certain diseases?
Yes - HIV, Heb B, Heb C, TB and Syphilis.
Where are the orphanages located?
Addis Ababa, Oromia, Mekele, Assela and Awassa.
Will escorting be available?
Only in extenuating circumstances. Children's Hope encourages parents to travel to the country of their child's birth.
Is there an additional fee for adopting more than one child?
Yes, $3,500 for each additional child.
