Ethiopia  Adoption Program
	EAC partners with Illien Adoptions in Ethiopia

EAC has formed a partnership with Illien Adoptions International to provide our clients with an Ethiopia Adoption Program. Illien/EAC's office in Addis Ababa is staffed by Emebet Negussie, an attorney and former court judge, Tenaye Habtegebreal, a social worker and registered nurse, and Abebe Gedamu, a valuable member of the office team who has helped operations run smoothly since the opening of Illien/EAC's program in 2006. Their experience, energy, passion, and commitment to the children of Ethiopia are the heart and soul of Illien/EAC's Ethiopia program.

Ethiopia is one of the few African countries which support intercountry adoption. As a part of working in Ethiopia, the government requires all US licensed adoption service providers to submit a humanitarian aid project which must be approved by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA) as a part of the in-country licensing requirements. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. Illien Adoptions International, Inc. is licensed by MOLSA and recognized by the Ministry of Justice, registration #508/95.

Ethiopia is a wonderful program for families who wish to adopt a child of any age, ranging from babies under one year old to sibling groups and children with special needs Families may state their preference for the gender of the child and for the age range at time of referral. There are more boys than girls who are eligible for international adoption. Most families receive a referral within thirty days of the time their dossier arrives in Ethiopia. Referral information includes photographs, HIV testing, hepatitis testing, tuberculosis screening, and a current medical evaluation and social history when available. The population of Ethiopia is comprised of many ethnic groups and children eligible for adoption may be of any ethnic origin.

Single women and married couples are eligible to adopt. The government of Ethiopia prefers to place children with couples who have been married for five years, but couples married for at least one year are eligible. There is no upper age limit for prospective adoptive parents, but preferably the age difference between the child and parent will not exceed 43 years. Prospective adoptive families are not limited by the amount of children currently residing in the home.

Ethiopian children are orphaned for a number of reasons stemming from poverty and lack of development. The Aids epidemic in Africa decimated the adult population and left many children orphaned without parents or family members to care for them. Many families cannot care for or feed their children; they are abandoned in the hope that they will be given food and shelter. Many babies are abandoned at birth. Many children are left at the police station and come into orphanages where they may find permanent families through adoption.

Ethiopia Adoption: Quick Reference (call for complete requirements) minimum requirements seen below

Singles Your Ages Gender Available Child Ages # of Trips Total Trip Length Yes 25-55 Both 12mo. & up 1 1wk.

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