On  November 27, 2009, Imagine gave the following update.  For all Imagine Adoption updates, please go to www.imagineadoption.ca.

Please note that Imagine Adoption is now accepting names for a WAIT LIST to their Ethiopia Program.  While the first priority will be to process current adoption files in process, the plan is to accept new applicants off the wait list, as developing timelines and processes become more clear.  On November 26, 2009, Imagine commented that it could take some time before they are in a position to accept new clients.  As such, there is no clear time line for this waiting list, although it is made clear that those on the waiting list will be contacted first if and when this possibility exists.

To be put on the wait list, please contact Imagine Adoption at (519) 260-0391  The office is open from 8am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 1pm on Friday EST  

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Hope Adoption has worked with families adopting from Ethiopia since 2005. Families with a heart for bringing love, hope and a future to these precious children have become increasingly interested in adoption. Unfortunately, many years of civil unrest and ongoing famine and drought have resulted in a very high mortality rate among adults and children. Approximately 50% of the 77 million people in Ethiopia are under the age of 15 and several million have been left orphaned.

Facilitating Agencies 

Hope currently works with Imagine Adoption, an Ontario agency that facilitates adoption in Ethiopia. Imagine offers outstanding support to clients here in Canada as well as excellent care to the many children awaiting adoption through their loving and committed staff in Ethiopian orphanages and foster homes. All interested applicants will be placed on a waiting list by emailing melissa@imagineadoption.ca   (519) 260-0391

Please note that since its bankruptcy in July 2009, Imagine Adoption has been successfully re-structured.  At this time, families currently in process with Imagine have been deemed first priority. Prospective adoptive parents interested in pursuing the Ethiopia program are able to put their name on a waiting list for future consideration. The expected time on the waitlist is that of a few years, although this may change. 

To put your name on the waiting list, or to get more information from Imagine directly, please email: melissa@imagineadoption.ca

Eligibility Requirements 

• Adoptive parents must be 25 and up, with no more than 50 years between the adoptive mother and proposed child.
• Married any length of time – no common law or same sex married couples.
• Single applicants permitted (female only).
• No limit on number of children in the home.

Children Available

• All children are of African heritage.
• Infant to age 8. 
• Limited sibling and twin referrals at this time  - as such, longer wait times
• Case to case consideration  for older children and special needs children. Children proposed for adoption are DNA tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and STD. A variety of vaccinations are also given, typically TB, measles, polio and DPT.

Waiting Period

Like all international adoptions, timelines vary.  Estimated time frames for receiving a proposal after the dossier is received in Ethiopia cannot be determined at this time.  Prior to the bankruptcy, timelines ranged anywhere from 12 months to 18 months for a proposal, dependent of age recommendation of the child. This time has increased. Ethiopian court dates and Canadian immigration processing of the file after a proposal is received greatly determine how quickly the family may travel to bring a child home.  Two trips are required.  At least one parent must travel to Ethiopia after proposal acceptance to appear at court and then again to pick up their child(ren). A typical stay of 5 to 7 days is required to complete the adoption although 8 to 10 days is recommended in order to give the family time to familiarize themselves with the country and its culture.

Fees

Applicants for the Ethiopia program will pay $5,800 to Hope Services. This fee includes $3000 for the BC Approval process as well as $2800 for the Intercountry fee. Applicants will also pay for 3 post placement reports, which Ethiopia requires. Approximately $15,000 will be payable to Imagine Adoption for Canadian agency process costs as well as Foreign Fostering Care costs. Other costs incurred include:  Criminal Record Search, Medical Report, Immigration fees and travel costs.

Summary of Process

Contact Imagine Adoption to be placed on the waiting list (melissa@imagineadoption.ca).

The BC Approval Process is comprised of 3 components: 

• application to a licensed adoption agency
• completion of an educational component
• completion of a home study conducted by a registered social worker

While you are on the Ethiopia wait list, you may sign up for our education seminars at Hope Services to begin part of the BC approval process.  Please contact our office for further details of the dates. Once your education is complete, you may continue on to your home study.  However, since the Ethiopia program is on a wait list, please be aware that your home study will need to be updated annually at further cost until you are able to enter the program officially.

Once you have been informed by Imagine that you are able to proceed with the process of Ethiopian adoption, please contact Angie Appenheimer, the Ethiopia case worker, to discuss your Ethiopia document requirements in detail. 

• Make application to Hope Services and fulfill BC Requirements for legal adoption (educational seminars, etc ) File held until program accepts applicants.
• Begin to collect and provide required Ethiopia documentation to Hope Ethiopia case worker who will compile the dossier and forward it to Imagine Adoption.
• Complete Sponsorship or Citizenship Application from Canadian Immigration
• Your dossier will be authenticated/approved and forwarded to a representative in Ethiopia for translation and presentation to the orphanage
• Your proposal will come from your facilitating agency to our office and we will contact you.
• Adoptive parents must travel to Ethiopia twice. One trip will be required (one parent) to accept the proposal in court. The next trip will be to pick up your child(ren) after the Visa has been issued. The length of stay required is approximately 5 - 10 days, although extra time is encouraged to familiarize yourself with the child's heritage and culture.
• The adoption is finalized in Ethiopia
• Post Placement Reports mandatory at 2 months after returning home; 12 months from court decision; 15 months from court decision; then annually on court decision date until the child is 16 years of age. The first three must be completed with a Social Worker and the remaining annual reports can be completed by the family without assistance from their Social Worker. 

Support Groups

Afro-Canadian Network (ACAN) is a large and active group of adoptive parents in BC who provide ongoing support through a variety of avenues including workshops, media resources and updated listings of cultural events that help families to stay connected to African heritage. There are also mentoring programs, play groups and email networks available.

African-Canadian Network:  Karen: 604-464-9944
Yvonne: 604-320-7330

Adoptive Families Association of BC www.bcadoptions.com 604-320-7330