just got this email/don't know what to think or how to feel??

Dear Families,

We wanted to give you an update on what we are seeing as far as a timeline for the processing of adoptions in Ethiopia. We have already been in touch with most of the families that are currently placed with children but of course you all have a possibility of being impacted by this as well and therefore wanted to keep you in the loop on this.

Over the last month we have heard rumors that Ethiopian government was working on changes in the processing of adoptions—this is always a possibility so of course needed to wait for confirmation before fully understanding what this could look like. In the last few days we have received information on additional procedures that the Ethiopian government has decided to implement. This involves centralization of the adoption process. Unfortunately, the goal of the new implementation is aimed at minimizing the number of children adopted internationally. Due to these changes, please note that the timeframe of your adoption will be impacted and the waiting time for travel following referral will be lengthened. Even with this new step we will continue to advocate for these adoptions to be completed in the quickest and smoothest manner.

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 AGCI 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 we are seeing that the courts are scheduling court dates for more than a month out. We are also seeing that 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 we need to prepare you all, that unfortunately the timeframe of your adoption and travel dates will most likely be lengthened more than the timeframe we have previously been providing to families over the last a few months. We certainly will inform you of any additional changes or updated news.

Below is a note from Almaz, our Director of Hannah’s Hope. She sent this along with the information that we have included in this update:

“We pray that you will trust us through this process and more importantly keep your eyes on our heavenly father during this time. He is the One who loves these children so much, even with the families who live so far away. Our agency in Ethiopia has a great presence and we truly are not concerned about major issues or the overall completion of these adoptions. We just know that these will start to take longer in processing. Myself , AGCI Executive Director, Doug Frazier, Julie as well as a couple of our board members will be traveling to Ethiopia this coming week to work on a major public daycare construction and also will be able to meet with government officials. We will be able to hear their concerns and to share our hearts for Ethiopian children in-person. We will continue to build our relationships with the people who are important in the governmental bodies. We also will also be kissing and holding and praying for your children and telling them how loved they are. Please pray for us during this time—we want to always be working in a manner that is worthy of our calling and we appreciate all the prayers of families.”

We know that this is news is discouraging and we would like all of you to know that we are here to support you and walk with you during these hard times. The good thing to know is that there are so many that are actively engaged in conversation with the Ethiopian government about these changes. The Joint Council on International Children’s Services, US Embassy and all the Ethiopia Adoption Coordinators (what Almaz is called) are all very united in advocacy for the children and families. WE of course are completely for any changes in process to continue to protect and support the birth family but we want to be sure that this is effective and not just a slowdown for current children’s processes.

Family and Referral Update:

Traveling Families:

We have 3 families that are on their way to Ethiopia this weekend—so exciting!!

Waiting for Travel:

We have 42 families waiting for their files to be processed and their upcoming travel dates.

Reminder: There has been some confusion regarding a travel waiting list. There is no travel waiting list. We receive travel dates from Ethiopia once the MOWA and Court processes are complete – many times the travel dates are not given in any specific order, rather when the process is completed.

Referrals:

REMEMBER: Official referral wait time continues to be within the estimated 6-8 months. This means that you could wait for a referral up to 8 months. The reason for this big change is because we now have many families that are on the waitlist with no CIS approval. This means that the wait time for the FDL is no longer there but it is now on the waitlist side of things.

We had 1 infant girl and 1 infant boy referrals these last two weeks.

Waiting for a GIRL Referral: (please keep in mind some of these families can be on both lists and will be placed with whichever gender is available first) There are 24 families who have completed their dossier and are waiting for a girl referral.

Waiting for a BOY Referral:

There are 13 families who have completed their dossier and are waiting for a boy referral.

Waiting for a SIBLING Referral:

There are 11 families who have completed their dossier and are waiting for a sibling referral.

Families Working on their Dossiers:

There are 49 families working on their dossiers.

Placed Families Working on the Dossier:

There are 8 families who are working on completing their dossiers.

New Families:

Since our last bi-weekly update (10-17-08) we have had 4 new families! Welcome to the Ethiopia Program – we are excited and blessed to be a part of your adoption journey.

Welcome Home:

There are now 87 families and 110 children home!