Like many of you reading this post, my heart is heavy today. I am saddened by the possibility that Ethiopian adoptions are going to be slowing down significantly and perhaps, being less desirable for those looking to adopt.
This is a statement by the Joint Council:
Last week the Ethiopian Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs announced their intention to reduce intercountry adoptions by 90% beginning March 10, 2011. The Ministry’s plan for a dramatic reduction is apparently based on two primary issues; 1) the assumption that corruption in intercountry adoption is systemic and rampant and 2) the Ministry’s resources should be focused on the children for whom intercountry adoption is not an option. Without further announcements by the Government of Ethiopia, it is our understanding that the Ministry’s plan will be initiated this week.
The Ministry’s plan is a tragic, unnecessary and disproportionate reaction to concerns of isolated abuses in the adoption process and fails to reflect the overwhelmingly positive, ethical and legal services provided to children and families through intercountry adoption. Rather than eliminate the right of Ethiopian children to a permanent family, we encourage the Ministry to accept the partnerships offered by governments, NGOs, and foundations. Such partnerships could increase the Ministry’s capacity to regulate service providers and further ensure ethical adoptions.
I am praying that the above mentioned actions are still being evaluated by MOWA. I pray that they will reconsider making these changes. I pray that these actions will not deter those interested in Ethiopian adoption from stepping out in faith. And most importantly, I pray for the MILLIONS of orphans and children in Ethiopia who are waiting for families. I am 100% supportive of making all Ethiopian adoptions ethical and thorough. Changing "policy" and "red tape" does not, however, make life better for those who are referred and waiting for their family to come and bring them home.
This week is the one year anniversary of our "referral." It was one year again that we received the most amazing email anyone could ever receive. This is what we saw (look at her eyes):
I can not imagine if we did not step out in faith and pursue this precious little girl. It breaks my heart to think that the new changes in Ethiopia and how it might deter a family from the experience that we have had.
In case MOWA needs to see an example of a successful Ethiopian adoption, here is one:
Our referral photo- one year ago...
Grace seeing our family's picture one year ago...
Grace today (now look at her eyes). Enough said.So what can we do? Here are a few suggestions from the Joint Council. You can bet I will be sending the above picture their way...
1) Sign the petition to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi – and pass it on!
2) Have you adopted from Ethiopia? Please send us up to 3 photos and 50 words or less with what you would like the Ministry to know about your child – we’ll compile the information and send a book to the Ministry of Woman’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs. Send your photos and stories to advocate@jointcouncil.org by Sunday, March 12, 2011 to be included. Please note that sending photos and stories gives Joint Council unrestricted right to use the information you provide.
3) Share…Please send this Call to Action to family members, other adoptive parents, and everyone you know! Post, forward and share your adoption stories via Facebook, Twitter, and blogs. Make sure you include us in your posts so we can all hear your stories!
4) Stay informed: Get up-to-date information regarding the situation in Ethiopia by signing up to receive information from us: click here to do so, make sure you choose “country and issues specific information” and “Ethiopia.” And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and our blog!
5) Help ensure our advocacy can continue: Joint Council is a non-profit and receives no government funding. Please join us in ensuring more children live in safe, permanent and loving families. Donate today.
absolutely.
ReplyDelete"look in her eyes. enough said."
exactly.
Oh, the eyes...you really do see it. I absolutely plan on signing the petition and writing to the Joint Council. How has adoption changed my daughter's life?? Oh my, can I say it all in 50 words?
ReplyDeleteYou have such a big heart. I have so many thoughts on this topic but would run out of typing space.
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday Grace!! What an adorable outfit - I love the skirt! Good call on the chocolate frosting ;)
ReplyDelete