What’s Involved in Adopting a Child From Ethiopia?

U.S. citizens must work with the Ethiopian governmental central authority, the Children, Youth and Family Affairs Department (CYFAD) which is under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Americans who enter into private adoptions that bypass the CYFAD will not be able to take the child out of Ethiopia, and will not be able to obtain a U.S. immigrant visa.

To adopt a child from Ethiopia, you must complete a homestudy and prepare a dossier. Your adoption agency will submit everything to the Ethiopian government. The adoption committee of the Ethiopian CYFAD will review your file and determine whether or not you are eligible to adopt from Ethiopia. Once you are approved to adopt from Ethiopia, you will receive a child referral. After you accept referral of your child, your adoption agency will handle the rest of the paperwork and red tape in Ethiopia. The adoption agency will then arrange to have your child escorted to the U.S. and your waiting arms.

Credits: The International Adoption Guidebook, © Mary M. Strickert