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.
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