Introduction

Many children in need of a loving family find that, through adoption. If you are coming from a country with a deep culture and traditions that are rich and wonderful such as Ethiopia which is known for the Adoption process for both local and international adoptions. Ethiopia has had serious legal changes in terms of adoption due to policy change and growing concerns of child welfare.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the legal process of adoption in Ethiopia, alongside the legal requirements for individuals looking to adopt in that country.

A Quick History of Adoption in Ethiopia

Ethiopia was one of the most active countries internationally in terms of adoption, with thousands of children sent to families in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world. But issues surrounding child trafficking, unethical adoptions, and inadequate post-adoption support spurred changes in policy.

In January 2018, the country formally banned international adoptions, stating that it wished to prioritize the welfare of Ethiopian children in the country. Currently, domestic adoption and foster care are encouraged and international adoption is not allowed.

Types of Adoption in Ethiopia

Adoption in Ethiopia comes in two flavors.

Domestic Adoption

Ethiopian citizens and residents can adopt the children domestically. The Ethiopian government promotes local adoption so children grow up in their cultural milieu. There are legal and financial requirements that Ethiopian families must meet in order to adopt.

International Adoption (Banned)

International adoption enabled foreign parents to adopt Ethiopian children before being banned in 2018. Unfortunately, international adoption isn’t an option anymore due to ethical issues and legal concerns.

The Legal Process for Domestic Adoption in Ethiopia

The adoption process for Ethiopian citizens and residents involves the following:

Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify

Prospective parents who wish to adopt a child in Ethiopia must:

• Be at least 25 years old.
• Be secure and able to take care of a child.
• Have no prior criminal record, particularly with respect to child welfare.
• Show that they have completed a home study by Ethiopian social workers.

Step 2: MoWCY Registration

The MoWCY, which is in charge of child welfare policy in Ethiopia, must approve all adoptions.

Step 3: Finishing a Home Study

The home study evaluates the prospective adoptive parents’ capacity to provide a safe and stable home. That includes interviews, a financial review and a home inspection.

Step 4: Matching with a Child

Upon approval, parents are paired to a child via registered orphanages or children welfare agencies. The child’s background, health status and other records available to the agency are provided to potential adoptive parents.

Step 5: Attorney File (Court Order)

Adoptive parents must petition Ethiopian family courts to adopt. The role of the court is to confirm that the child is legally available for adoption and that the adoptive parents meet all requirements.

Step 6: Follow-Ups After Adoption

Once the adoption is finalized, Ethiopian authorities may perform post-adoption visits to check on the well-being of the adopted child.

Problems with the Process of Adopting

Bureaucratic Delays

Because there are multiple government entities involved, the adoption process in Ethiopia isn’t speedy.

Strict Regulations

Potential parents undergo intensive screening that includes background checks and financial assessments.

Fewer Children Are Available to Adopt

Fewer children are accessible for formal adoption because Ethiopia places a higher priority on family reunification and kinship care.

Cultural Stigma

Adoption is also not widely accepted in some Ethiopian communities, making it hard for adoptive families to fit in.

What Are Other Options Besides Adoption in Ethiopia?

Since international adoption is banned, people who want to help Ethiopian children have alternatives:

Foster Care Programs

“There is a direct correlation between being in an orphanage and far lower success rates in education and life,” said Emilie Scharlau, senior policy adviser on child welfare for War Child, an organization fighting to see orphanages replaced with family-based foster care in Ethiopia.

Sponsorship Programs

UNICEF, Save the Children, and World Vision have sponsorship programs that give Ethiopian children in need food, education, and healthcare.

Community Support Initiatives

Local and international charities strive to keep families together by providing economic and social support.

Conclusion

Today, adoption in Ethiopia has transformed, and the government has begun integrating agencies to emphasize domestic adoption and foster care as well as child welfare initiatives. International adoption is no longer possible, but Ethiopian citizens and residents can adopt domestically under strict legal guidelines.

However, if it is Ethiopian children you wish to assist, sponsorship programs or community support can be a place to look.

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