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| − | {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/Bete_Giyorgis_01.jpg/800px-Bete_Giyorgis_01.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), Lalibela.'''<BR/>Source: wikiedia.org.}}
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| − | '''5. [[Adopt]] or Gain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in [[Ethiopia]]'''
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| − | The process for finalizing the [[adoption]] in [[Ethiopia]] generally includes the following:
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| − | After September 1, 2013, under PAIR, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] will file a [[dossier]] with [[Ethiopia]]’s Federal First Instance Court (FFIC) to initiate the legal [[adoption]] process in [[Ethiopia]]. This [[dossier]] will include documents related to the child’s background, such as the Life History document created by the [[orphanage]], along with the PAIR letter, the signed [[adoption]] contract, and information about the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ suitability to [[adopt]]. As of February 2013, the court requires a filing fee of 25 Ethiopian birr to open a case. The FFIC will forward the case to the Ministry of Women’s, Children’s, and Youth Affairs for its review, and will usually set a specific date by which the review must be completed. MOWCYA will review the [[dossier]], along with the approved [[Home Study|home study]], and make a determination on whether the [[adoption]] is in the best interests of the child. If it determines that the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are eligible under Ethiopian law and the [[adoption]] should move forward, the [[dossier]] will be sent back to the FFIC for a hearing. Usually, if a child has been relinquished by living relatives, the court will hold a first hearing in order to obtain the relatives’ legal consent to the [[adoption]]. One to two weeks later, the court will schedule a hearing with the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]. In most cases, if the court approves the [[adoption]], full [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] is transferred to the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] on the same day. The [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] receive an [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] from the court, which they can take back to MOWCYA for [[certification]]. Possession of the certified [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] permits [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] or their agency’s representative to begin the process of applying for a new passport and birth certificate for the child. Please see below for more information on these [[processes]].
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption]] Authority:''' The MOWCYA approves the [[dossier]] of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and conducts a review of the best interests of the child, including whether a preliminary determination on the immigration eligibility of the child is favorable. It makes a recommendation to the FFIC on whether the [[adoption]] should proceed. The MOWCYA also certifies the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] and provides letters of request for the issuance of amended birth certificates and passports for the [[adopted]] child.
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| − | *'''Role of the Court:''' The FFIC accepts all petitions for intercountry [[adoption]] and forwards the [[dossier]] to the MOWCYA for the best interests review. They review the adoptability of the child, ensure the process at the local level adhered to Ethiopian law, and make the final determination on the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]]. The FFIC issues the final [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]].
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| − | *'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:''' ASPs facilitate the match of a child at a licensed Ethiopian [[orphanage]] and U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s). ASPs also act on behalf of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) in filing the [[dossier]] and petition with the FFIC.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Application:''' The [[adoption]] application, also referred to as the [[dossier]], serves to evaluate the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s)’ eligibility to [[adopt]] under Ethiopian law. This step takes place during the MOWCYA review of the best interests of the child.
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| − | *'''Time Frame:''' The time to complete the [[adoption]] will include approximately 12-14 weeks for the PAIR processing by USCIS following the match and approximately 6 weeks for the [[Adoption Petition|adoption petition]] to be finalized by the Government of [[Ethiopia]]. Following the issuance of the [[Adoption Decree|adoption decree]] in [[Ethiopia]], an additional 4-6 weeks will be necessary for the Ethiopian passport application.
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| − | *'''[[Adoption]] Fees:''' As of February 2013, the fees for the Ethiopian government portions of the [[adoption]] process total approximately $35 U.S. dollars, but must be paid in the local currency. The fees charged are:
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| − | ::::::::A. 5 Birr – Fee for Inland Revenue Authority stamp on [[adoption]] contract
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| − | ::::::::B. 25 Birr – Fee for opening an [[adoption]] case with the Federal First Instance Court
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| − | ::::::::C. 300 Birr – Fee for child’s Ethiopian birth certificate
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| − | ::::::::D. 150-300 Birr – Fee for child’s Ethiopian passport
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| − | There may be additional fees charged by the U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] (ASP) or Ethiopian legal counsel. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should seek information in writing, upfront of all fees their ASP or legal representative will charge throughout the process. Many non-[[adoption]] related services, like lodging or transportation, for example, can be booked privately by prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] prior to traveling to [[Ethiopia]]. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are encouraged to [[research]] all of the options available to them, which will give them an idea of the price of various goods and services on the local market. For prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with legal questions, Embassy Addis Ababa can provide a list of local attorneys with experience working with American Citizens, including some that specialize in adoptions.
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| − | *'''Documents Required:''' Please refer to the Embassy of [[Ethiopia]] in [[Washington]], D.C. website for a list of requirements for the [[adoption]] [[dossier]]. '''NOTE:''' Additional documents may be requested.
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| − | *'''Authentication of Documents:''' You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic. If so, the Department of State, Authentications Office may be able to assist.
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| − | Back to [[Adopting from Ethiopia]]
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