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.gif) Adopting
from Ethiopia has become an increasingly popular choice over the
past few years -- with good reason. And when you choose to adopt
through LBB you'll see why! Our service and expertise is solid
and the staff and orphanage in Ethiopia work diligently on your
behalf.
A Love Beyond
Borders is currently in the process of working to get licensed
in Ethiopia. We are excited about our new
program and will be working with established, well-run orphanages in the main
city of Addis Ababa, and our facilitator is an attorney
well-versed in maneuvering through Ethiopia's legal system. You
will be fully escorted while in Addis Ababa. There are estimates
of as many as four million
of children living without parents and families in Ethiopia,
orphaned by poverty, AIDS, political conditions and disabling
infrastructure. Yet even faced with these conditions the people
and children of Ethiopia live an emotionally generous life,
embodying the philosophy of "It takes a village to raise a
child.". This means that older children adopted from
Ethiopia who have lived in an extended family environment --
even those living in orphanages -- will typically manifest fewer
developmental or emotional issues than children adopted from
orphanages in other countries.
Our Ethiopian program partners are popular because their service is
exceptional, affordable and relatively quick. The children are
typically very healthy with correctable health conditions,
flexible adoptive parent requirements, and young babies
and sibling groups are available. You may adopt unrelated
children. One trip of approximately 10 days is requested,
although escort service is an option under specific
circumstances. |
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Children: |
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Children six months to 14 years of age.
- Both
boys and girls are available for adoption. First time
parents should be flexible in regards to gender selection.
- Children
are generally healthy, but may have parasites and other
treatable conditions caused due to living conditions. Children
are tested - at minimum -- for HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis and
several other conditions. Special
needs children are available.
- Many older sibling groups
are available.
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Adoptive
Parents Requirements: |
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Single women and married couples may apply. Couples must be
married at least one year. Applications cannot be accepted
from pregnant women. Previous divorce is allowed. One parent
must be a US Citizen.
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Parents must be at least 25 years of age. There is no
statutory age limit. Those 25-49 may adopt an infant. Those
over 50 may adopt an older child.
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There is no limit to the number of children already in the
home. Large families can adopt as long as you can show
sufficient income.
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Travel to
Ethiopia is strongly recommended but it is not required. Travel
is approximately 10 days and comfortable accommodations are
available. Clients are fully escorted to adoption-related
proceedings while in Ethiopia. Escort is available for those
families who are unable to travel. Please speak with one of our
staff members for further information on this optional
service. The fee is $1500 plus expenses for the escort
and child. |
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Timelines &
Process: |
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Depending on your state regulations and
USCIS processing it will take approximately 7-12 months to
complete the adoption from submittal of the initial application.
The timeframe will depend greatly on the age and sex of the
child(ren) you are seeking to adopt. Waits are longest for
families desiring young babies, especially baby girls.
The family typically receives referral after submittal of the
completed and approved homestudy. Information provided includes
photos, lab results, and brief medical/social history. Please
note that social history is scarce and frequently inaccurate due
to many factors.
Due to the nature of international adoptions, the requirements,
timelines and fees are subject to change without notice. |
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