BACKGROUND

The number of children being adopted from Ethiopia by American families has more than doubled in the last four years. With this increased number the need for an association that represents families both in the states as well as within Ethiopia has become necessary. For almost all adoptive families their source of information as well as their bridge to their child’s birth country remains to be their placing agency. This proves to be unsatisfactory as well as an unrealistic expectation. Agencies’ main responsibility is placement and is usually unable to meet the various needs of adoptive families such as tracing birth families, linking adoptive families to cultural and other resources adoptive families find necessary as their children grow up. Most adoptive families want to somehow remain connected to their child’s birth country. This may be difficult to accomplish as an individual but can be accomplished through setting up a society that gives back to Ethiopia in various ways.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WHY?


Why do we need an association of Ethiopian Adoptive Families?

Because only adoptive families can express and relate about adoption, not a nonprofit, not an orphanage and not even an adoption agency. Here is why:

As many of you know, as country director for a large adoption agency, I moved back to Ethiopia to do the work that I was certain was my calling, place children with no parental care into loving permanent homes, with parents who will love them.  While this work had many rewards (I can go on about the rewards) it also had many challenges, challenges that threaten children’s placement and the right of a child to be adopted.  I hate to think of myself as someone who believes that only adoption is the answer. I want to ensure that every child in Ethiopia is given the chance to live in his or her birth country with parents (birth parents or adoptive). However, I also want to ensure that in the event that this is not possible, a child is given the opportunity to have a family elsewhere.  And keeping this right of the child is tougher than I ever imagined it to be. As an Ethiopian myself, I left the US excited to do the work I was called to do, certain that it was a worthy and commendable work. What I found was that, adoption simply was not a word I was allowed to be proud of. The word had so much stigma associated with it.  And over the years I have come to realize, how much such stigma and the lack of awareness about family based care, can influence policies about adoption.

I was able to see a trend, whenever there was news about adoption from Ethiopia, it is usually bad. Or atleast only the bad ones reach Ethiopia. And to a general public, that already feels adoption is bad it affirms their fear.  Here are some things I have been asked:

1.    - Why do these people adopt children all the way from our country? I am sure they have ulterior motives.  I just heard this man in France was molesting a child he adopted from here. That child was better of here poor and parentless.

2.    -  I saw on TV how the mothers are cheated into thinking they will see their children. The children are in turn sold for thousands of dollars and these poor mothers never see their children. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-09-15/heartbreak-in-ethiopia/1428934 (I can still remember the effects this news had on adoption. The process significantly  changed both at the US embassy and court in reaction to this news)

3.    -  I read on the internet that these children’s organs are sold once they get overseas.

These are just few of the things that have been said to me. Now I am sure most of your are saying, “Surely Duni, you defended us? Surely you told the truth?”

Yes, I did, not just me but other reps of adoption agencies’, orphanages. At the end of the day I am not an adoptive parent. And at the end of the day, the bad stories got to the public, first.  Here is a the latest bad news http://nazret.com/blog/index.php/2011/08/02/coroner-adopted-teen-from-ethiopia-died-of-hypothermia-in-backyard
This is an Ethiopian blog, please see the comments by Ethiopian readers. It is sad that one murder of a child can negate the 9,000 adoptions from Ethiopia in the past five years. Not to say that this doesn’t deserve attention but it shouldn’t be the only thing the public hears about so that they don’t react negatively to adoption in general. The good ones, the baby who was abandoned, the malnourished child, the HIV positive, who found homes never made it to the news. Even though the government knows the bad cases are 1 in thousands, it has to react to the public and come up with regulations that restrict adoption.   It is true what they say, first impressions stick. And unfortunately most Ethiopians get their first impression of adoption by hearing about the bad news before they ever hear about all the children’s lives saved through adoption.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

It was not long before I moved back to the States that I started to think about what would help in relaying stories to the general public and I realized that no one could do it better than adoptive families. And no one can advocate for adoption more than adoptive families themselves. Other entities are always regarded as having ulterior motives (after all adoption is an agency’s source of income). What if adoptive families had an association that represented adoptive families in Ethiopia? One that could create dialogue with the government both in the US and in Ethiopia about adoption issues. One that would create awareness campaigns in Ethiopia about family based care and domestic adoption. And more than anything showed the Ethiopian people that children who are adopted are not forever disconnected from their birth country and that their families give back to the nation. I know for a fact that most families are involved in works such as sponsorships and other orphan care programs in Ethiopia, except it is not in a mobilized manner and one that will give credit to adoption and adoptive families.

The association will serve families and more than anything ensure adoption remains to be available for those who need it and provide long-term solutions for those children who are not adoptable. To learn more about our purpose, plans and services, please visit the Membership page of our website.
Thank you for considering membership in the association and giving back, this was created for you and your family to have a voice. Together, we can make a difference! Join today.

Sincerely,
Duni Zenaye


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Give Back - Vision Trips

For more information on trips back to Ethiopia, check out this link http://onechildcampaign.showitsite.com/#/trip-dates--events/

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Why A Membership in the Association?

Dear Ethiopia Adoptive Family,
We are excited to invite you to the launch of the most comprehensive association for Ethiopia adoptive families. This association was founded by Duni Zenaye (www.EthioStork.com) and Caleb and Rebecca David (www.onechildcampaign.com). Based on the premise that together we can do much greater things, we are locking arms to serve Ethiopia adoptive families and the country of their children's origin. As an adoptive family and adoption professional we would love to hear from you on how you desire to support the Ethiopian people and give you a voice! We cordially invite you to become a member of this community of ambassadors by going to our website - www.ethiopiaadoptivefamilies.org - and printing off your membership forms and starting your membership subscription right away.

Sincerely,
Duni Zenaye
Caleb and Rebecca David

Background: 
The number of children being adopted from Ethiopia by American families has more than doubled in the last four years. With this increased number the need for an association that represents families both in the states as well as within Ethiopia has become necessary.   For almost all adoptive families their source of information as well as their bridge to their child’s birth country remains to be their placing agency.  This proves to be unsatisfactory as well as an unrealistic expectation. Agencies’ main responsibility is placement and is usually unable to meet the various needs of adoptive families such as tracing birth families, linking adoptive families to cultural and other resources adoptive families find necessary as their children grow up. The association will work to advocate for adoptive families to ensure their interest is considered in Ethiopia and to build positive image of adoption in Ethiopia.
Most adoptive families want to somehow remain connected to their child’s birth country. This may be difficult to accomplish as an individual but can be accomplished through setting up a society that gives back to Ethiopia in various ways.

Mission Statement and Vision:
To engage and activate adoptive families of Ethiopian children to affect long term, sustainable orphan care in Ethiopia through domestic Ethiopian adoption/foster care awareness, family-based care and charitable giving projects in Ethiopia through membership in this association.  While families are giving back to their children’s birth country in various ways, our mission is to also provide services, awareness and updates to US families to support the family and learn more about their child’s heritage and background. This association will also give adoptive families more voice in the formation of future adoption policies.


Purpose of the Association:
1.     Create positive Image:  Most Ethiopian adoption policies or regulations that affect adoption negatively are created because of the bad perception the general public in Ethiopia has about intercountry adoption. This is due to the lack of awareness about intercountry adoption.  The association will work to increase knowledge among the public about adoption as well as respond to negative media that is not based on fact. It will work to inform the general public about what intercountry adoption is and also report on children who have been adopted through various media outlets. This will show the true side of adoption, changing the perception of the public and policy makers.
2.     Be a voice in Ethiopia on behalf of adoptive families in regards to any activities relating to adoption.
3.     Be a voice in the US on behalf of adoptive families in policies and activities relating to adoption
4.     Conduct background investigations and birth parent tracings for member adoptive families
5.     Give l consultation to member families in regards to their current or past adoption
6.     Arrange travel and other accommodations for adoptive families.
7.    On behalf of adoptive families, work with government and non government organizations to develop alternative care for orphan and vulnerable children.
8.     On behalf of adoptive families, provide annual aid and grants to development projects
9.     Provide newsletters to members and information that is relevant to adoptive families
10.   Provide training and seminars on post adoption, transracial adoption, culture etc.
11.  To identify practical needs of trustworthy NGO's in Ethiopia and raise awareness for their needs
12.  To provide multiple vision trips each year to Ethiopia
13.  To connect families and communities with capital projects and causes to champion

Membership:
In order to fulfill our mission, it takes not only passion and community, but also funding. There is a monthly membership due of $29/family for the resources, expertise and services available to your family. Families can also give yearly at a discounted amount of $339. These fees will help us reach our goals of giving back as an association of adoptive families, back to the nation of Ethiopia in practical, measurable ways. This membership will give you access to discounted services and resources of EthioStork (www.ethiostork.com) and the humanitarian outreach of One Child Campaign (www.onechildcampaign.com) In addition, being a member of EAFA, will not only bring a profound sense of community and support but also brings a unified voice from adoptive families all over the United States to the Ethiopia people and government that we are here for them. Together, we can make a significant difference!

For more information:
Please email us at membership@ethiopiaadoptivefamilies.org or find the Fan Page on Facebook "Ethiopia Adoptive Families Association" or even follow us on Twitter "AdoptEthiopia".

3 Priceless Reasons for Tracing a Birth parent or family

1.       Help a child understand why his mother chose to abandon him
Even though most children who are abandoned are adopted while they are still babies, the fact that they were abandoned creates many questions as they grow up. It is not unusual to attribute something negative about themselves and claim that is why their birth mother abandoned them.   In most cases, a mother in Ethiopia chooses to abandon a baby because of lack of knowledge that she can relinquish her child or because she was unable to. Finding a birth mother will help answer these questions to an adopted child.
2.       Family history
Once a child grows up he starts to realize he has a birth family far away. Ancestral history is something children love to hear about and cherish. Fining birth families and learning about his extended family, grandparents, and culture and family traditions helps an adopted child with his or her self esteem.  Knowing your adopted family will not only enrich him but the adoptive family as a whole.
3.       Medical History
Family medical history is important in knowing and preventing some medical problems.  Finding a birth family will help answer some questions about any medical problems an adopted child may be predisposed to.
If would you like EthioStork to help you trace a birth family? Contact us at info@ethiostork.org
Other Services Provided by EthioStork:
1.       Ethiopian Culture and Adoption Webinar
Recommended for families currently in the process of adoption or considering adoption these web seminars provide resources to equip you in the adoption of your Ethiopian child.  We give web seminars covering
*Ethiopian Culture and History,
*Ethiopian Adoption laws and current issues.
*What to expect, how to tell if anything in your adoption is of concern or outside the normal time
*Equipping yourself to ensure your agency is doing its due diligence.
 Sign up for the next web seminar seminars@ethiostork.org
2.       International Document Consultation
So you just received your referral! This is  one of the most exciting milestones in your adoption process. It also means in the midst of all the excitement you have to review and understand all the social and medical documents in the referral packet.  It is recommended that you send your referred child’s medical information to an International pediatrician to make sure you know all there is to know about your child’s medical condition. Have you ever considered having your child's official social profile reviewed by a professional? You should! This helps you avoid any delays or heartaches at the final stages of your adoption. You want your new child home with no unnecessary delays.
Have an international adoption document specialist review  your child’s social document to ensure everything is in order for court and embassy.  This will help you be your own advocate and hold your agency accountable to do all things necessary to complete or correct any errors. Most importantly, it will help you determine if you are adopting a true orphan who needs a loving home.
 
3.       Over the phone translation services
The first few months your adopted child is home will be stressful as your child transitions into his or her new life. The language barrier can add additional stress and confusion as you try to communicate with each other.  While it is true that an adopted child will soon be able to tell you in  English what she wants, it may be necessary to have someone translate for you. The older your child is, the more important it is to know what she is trying to tell you about her past or something important that she can’t articulate in English just yet.   We will personally work with you to set up time that works for you to help you and your child communicate better. This is not simply translation but also help you and your older child foster a healthy relationship. 
4.       Birthparent/history Tracing
We have highly specialized staff in Ethiopia who can help trace your Child’s birth history.  As adopted children grow they start to ask about their birth parents. We help families trace parents and history of their adopted child who was abandoned or relinquished with little known family history. Contact us at info@ethiostork.org
5.       Travel and In country Accommodations
We work with reputable travel guides, transportation providers and guesthouses that cater to adoptive families.  Our staff know everything from where you need to go to complete your adoption, the best place to shop to the best clinic to go to incase you or your child gets sick.  Contact us and arrange your travel to Ethiopia through us. travel@ethiostork.org
 

WELCOME TO THE ETHIOPIA ADOPTIVE FAMILIES ASSOCIATION


Background
The number of children being adopted from Ethiopia by American families has more than doubled in the last four years. With this increased number the need for an association that represents families both in the states as well as within Ethiopia has become necessary.   For almost all adoptive families their source of information as well as their bridge to their child’s birth country remains to be their placing agency.  This proves to be unsatisfactory as well as an unrealistic expectation. Agencies’ main responsibility is placement and is usually unable to meet the various needs of adoptive families such as tracing birth families, linking adoptive families to cultural and other resources adoptive families find necessary as their children grow up.
Most adoptive families want to somehow remain connected to their child’s birth country. This may be difficult to accomplish as an individual but can be accomplished through setting up a society that gives back to Ethiopia in various ways.
Mission Statement and Vision
To engage and activate adoptive families of Ethiopian children to affect long term, sustainable orphan care in Ethiopia through domestic Ethiopian adoption/foster care awareness, family-based care and charitable giving projects in Ethiopia through membership in this association.  While families are giving back to their children’s birth country in various ways, our mission is to also provide services, awareness and updates to US families to support the family and learn more about their child’s heritage and background. This association will also give adoptive families more voice in the formation of future adoption policies.
Purpose of the Association
1.     Create positive Image:  Most policies that affect adoption negatively are created because of the bad perception the general public has about intercountry adoption. This is due to the lack of awareness about intercountry adoption.  The association will work to increase knowledge among the public about adoption as well as respond to negative media that is not based on fact. It will work to inform the general public about what intercountry adoption is and also report on children who have been adopted through various media outlets. This will show the true side of adoption, changing the perception of the public and policy makers.
2.     Be a voice in Ethiopia on behalf of adoptive families in regards to any activities relating to adoption.
3.     Be a voice in the US on behalf of adoptive families in policies and activities relating to adoption
4.     Conduct background investigations and birth parent tracings for member adoptive families
5.     Give legal consultation to member families in regards to their current of past adoption
6.     Arrange travel and other accommodations for adoptive families.
7.     Work with government and non government organizations to develop alternative care for orphan and vulnerable children.
8.     Provide annual aid  and grants to development projects
9.     Provide newsletters to members and information that is relevant to adoptive families
10.  Provide training and seminars on post adoption, transracial adoption, culture etc.