For a few that have asked me off "blog-land" - we do not fall into the catagory of "expedited cases" per the post earlier this week from the USCIS and DOS stuff. So I figured I would just ask and clarify with our agency -
Unfortunately I was right in my thinking. They are pushing cases of families that have already accepted a referral and been submitted to the courts and system to be processed. So since we do not have a referral at all yet - we're most likely going to be hit with delays. However, the US government agencies are really trying to help ET and help with training and other things to help them hire more people to get back up to speed. Everyone seems very positive about this so its possibly a small set back but hope to get it going again in the future.
Also - I saw some post on one of my yahoo groups that even with 5/day - people aren't too worried they figured they will get a court date by later this summer. So that's positive outlooks.
continue to keep all of us waiting families in your prayers - but mostly the kids. Just having to slow things down for them and keep them in the orphanages seems hard. We ask that people pray that God just looks over them and takes care of them.
Happy Friday night all
Gail
Friday, April 08, 2011
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Update from US Gov't - April 6, 2011
Here is the latest data from the big conference call by the USCIS and DOS today. This email is from our agency - I'm so thankful that they update us and keep us informed. Its funny - if they haven't heard they sometimes just send and email to tell us that! Ha. Anyhow - its great that they did this - I think it was in my in-box shortly after 5 pm today! The call was from 1-4. Anyhow - Craig and I have some different interpretations of my last post - so I"m gong to ask some questions through the agency - so we'll see.
Also - note - you can follow by email now - yeah - try signing up for that.
I'm working on my faith - praying for God and thankful for my wonderful friend in TN that's keeping me focused. She's right - just have faith and pray - God has a plan. I honestly do believe that - we'll bring our boys home sooner than later. I also think God has other things he wants Craig and I to accomplish before our child is home - I may not "like" that, but do believe somethings are much needed to better our lives. So hopefully those "things" can be shared someday - but for now their just little personal things.
God Bless everyone for their prayers.
Gail
Dear Families,
Many of you were likely participating in the conference call today. For those that were unable, we want to share with you some of the main points of the discussion.
Here is a link to the presentation that was given:
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Outreach/Upcoming%20National%20Engagements/National%2\
0Engagement%20Pages/2011%20Events/April%202011/Ethiopian%20Adoptions%20-%20Prese\
ntation.pdf
The presentation covers all of the main points that were discussed and is quite comprehensive. We recommend that you read through this thoroughly.
After the presentation, they opened the meeting up for discussion and questions.
* USCIS/DOS reports that the majority of the cases are "good" cases and that the
majority of children are clearly determined to be orphans, but there are serious
problems in transparency as to how children are coming into care.
* Page 8 of the presentation outlines the proposed pre-approval process (filing
I-600) which will allow the US Embassy to investigate and approve the case prior
to the family appearing in court and becoming legal parents of the child. The
timeline for implementation of this was not given.
* There is currently one employee at MOWCYA (formerly known as MOWA) processing
cases. It was suggested that if MOWCYA were to increase their staff, the number
of cases processed daily would likely increase from five. They did not give a
projection as to when this might change, but did say that they were offering
assistance in training MOWCYA employees.
* USCIS/DOS will be meeting with MOWCYA in the next few weeks to assist them in
improving their practices and address deficiencies. They will report back to us
after this time with the outcome.
* Specific questions can be sent to askci@state.gov
We will continue to update you with any new information that becomes available.
If you hear something that you would like us to confirm, please email us at
ethiopia@adoptionassociates.net. We will only post information that we know to
be factual.
We are encouraged to have learned today from USCIS/DOS that the majority of the
cases processed through the Embassy are approvable and that they are making
strong efforts to assist MOWCYA with the improvement of their procedures.
Laura, Sally & Mary
Ethiopia Team
Also - note - you can follow by email now - yeah - try signing up for that.
I'm working on my faith - praying for God and thankful for my wonderful friend in TN that's keeping me focused. She's right - just have faith and pray - God has a plan. I honestly do believe that - we'll bring our boys home sooner than later. I also think God has other things he wants Craig and I to accomplish before our child is home - I may not "like" that, but do believe somethings are much needed to better our lives. So hopefully those "things" can be shared someday - but for now their just little personal things.
God Bless everyone for their prayers.
Gail
Dear Families,
Many of you were likely participating in the conference call today. For those that were unable, we want to share with you some of the main points of the discussion.
Here is a link to the presentation that was given:
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Outreach/Upcoming%20National%20Engagements/National%2\
0Engagement%20Pages/2011%20Events/April%202011/Ethiopian%20Adoptions%20-%20Prese\
ntation.pdf
The presentation covers all of the main points that were discussed and is quite comprehensive. We recommend that you read through this thoroughly.
After the presentation, they opened the meeting up for discussion and questions.
* USCIS/DOS reports that the majority of the cases are "good" cases and that the
majority of children are clearly determined to be orphans, but there are serious
problems in transparency as to how children are coming into care.
* Page 8 of the presentation outlines the proposed pre-approval process (filing
I-600) which will allow the US Embassy to investigate and approve the case prior
to the family appearing in court and becoming legal parents of the child. The
timeline for implementation of this was not given.
* There is currently one employee at MOWCYA (formerly known as MOWA) processing
cases. It was suggested that if MOWCYA were to increase their staff, the number
of cases processed daily would likely increase from five. They did not give a
projection as to when this might change, but did say that they were offering
assistance in training MOWCYA employees.
* USCIS/DOS will be meeting with MOWCYA in the next few weeks to assist them in
improving their practices and address deficiencies. They will report back to us
after this time with the outcome.
* Specific questions can be sent to askci@state.gov
We will continue to update you with any new information that becomes available.
If you hear something that you would like us to confirm, please email us at
ethiopia@adoptionassociates.net. We will only post information that we know to
be factual.
We are encouraged to have learned today from USCIS/DOS that the majority of the
cases processed through the Embassy are approvable and that they are making
strong efforts to assist MOWCYA with the improvement of their procedures.
Laura, Sally & Mary
Ethiopia Team
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
US dept of state update / warning
Posted today on the Department of STate'es website - not good news. Tomorrow is the big USCIS conference call - unfortunately I can't personally participate - anxious to hear what they have to say - so sad and scary!
Gail
Notice: Significant delays remain likely for cases presented
to Ethiopia's Ministry of Women, Children and Youth
Affairs after March 8, 2011
The Government of Ethiopia's Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MOWYCA)
told the American Embassy officials that adoption cases presented to the Federal Court of First
Instance prior to March 8, 2011 will be processed expeditiously. However, cases presented to the
Court after March 8 will be processed in a more deliberate manner to allow greater scrutiny and
oversight. Based on their March 8 announcement the American Embassy anticipates that
MOWYCA will process these cases at a rate of approximately 5 per day.
It is unclear whether there will be an official announcement from the Government of Ethiopia
regarding the plan to reduce the number of cases adjudicated daily.
Prospective adoptive parents who did not reach the court summons stage before March 8, 2011,
should expect significant delays in the progression of their paperwork through the Government
of Ethiopia. Prospective adoptive parents should be in close touch with their adoption service
providers to confirm the status of their cases.
The U.S. Embassy continues to work with Ethiopian government officials and adoption agencies
to gain a clearer understanding of these procedures, and will continue to post information as it
becomes available
Gail
Notice: Significant delays remain likely for cases presented
to Ethiopia's Ministry of Women, Children and Youth
Affairs after March 8, 2011
The Government of Ethiopia's Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs (MOWYCA)
told the American Embassy officials that adoption cases presented to the Federal Court of First
Instance prior to March 8, 2011 will be processed expeditiously. However, cases presented to the
Court after March 8 will be processed in a more deliberate manner to allow greater scrutiny and
oversight. Based on their March 8 announcement the American Embassy anticipates that
MOWYCA will process these cases at a rate of approximately 5 per day.
It is unclear whether there will be an official announcement from the Government of Ethiopia
regarding the plan to reduce the number of cases adjudicated daily.
Prospective adoptive parents who did not reach the court summons stage before March 8, 2011,
should expect significant delays in the progression of their paperwork through the Government
of Ethiopia. Prospective adoptive parents should be in close touch with their adoption service
providers to confirm the status of their cases.
The U.S. Embassy continues to work with Ethiopian government officials and adoption agencies
to gain a clearer understanding of these procedures, and will continue to post information as it
becomes available
Thursday, March 31, 2011
guilt and conflicting feelings
So I know I'm not alone out there - but sometimes us mom's or mom's to be feel guilty. right now - I feel guilty because I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow. The guilt is that I should be saving every single hour of vacation for our adoption. However, I don't want to neglect the child I have at home. I feel guilty that I feel guilty. Then I worry an am conflicted because I don't know when we'll even get a referral let alone be able to travel. It sounds like things will take longer - but for good reasons - but I keep having my dreams of our "boy" - its amazing.
Regardless I chose to spend some quality time with Nate on his field trip tomorrow - and took a vacation day. so I'm skipping a training at work and always worry because of the way things are it can be used against me when they start any new rounds of layoff's - which many anticipate before the end of summer. but I will have an enjoyable day - gong to my first robotics competition. I guess some former students of his school and his teacher are now in high school and in the competition! I wish they had this when I was growing up - I would have loved it - they may have but not much for the girls. Or maybe I didn't want many people to know what a geek I truly am. Heck - I never did get that science kit from Santa after asking year after year. Heck - I went into chemistry for my undergrad!
anyhow - i will enjoy my day. And to top if off - we used Groupon a few months ago to get tickets to see the Detroit Pistons - yes my favorite bball team! Best yet - they are retiring my FAVORITE PLAYERS # tomorrow - Dennis Rodman! Yeah - I never denied I'm crazy - he's crazy - goofy - a jerk (my coworker had other choice words - I won't type them here) - but NO ONE can deny he was one of the best players - specifically his rebounding and defense! so many of the former "bad boys" will be there tomorrow night! I can't wait. It will be fun and nice - I hope we can maybe do some pictures or autographs! yeah.
so - my guilt is fading - and my conflicting feels as well - but we love our kids - and I'll have fun with the one I do have! He even told the teacher i was driving before we told her - and it may work out as one family I think was driving - their van died on the way to school this morning! so it probably all worked out -hopefully I can post pictures.
have a blessed night.
Gail
Regardless I chose to spend some quality time with Nate on his field trip tomorrow - and took a vacation day. so I'm skipping a training at work and always worry because of the way things are it can be used against me when they start any new rounds of layoff's - which many anticipate before the end of summer. but I will have an enjoyable day - gong to my first robotics competition. I guess some former students of his school and his teacher are now in high school and in the competition! I wish they had this when I was growing up - I would have loved it - they may have but not much for the girls. Or maybe I didn't want many people to know what a geek I truly am. Heck - I never did get that science kit from Santa after asking year after year. Heck - I went into chemistry for my undergrad!
anyhow - i will enjoy my day. And to top if off - we used Groupon a few months ago to get tickets to see the Detroit Pistons - yes my favorite bball team! Best yet - they are retiring my FAVORITE PLAYERS # tomorrow - Dennis Rodman! Yeah - I never denied I'm crazy - he's crazy - goofy - a jerk (my coworker had other choice words - I won't type them here) - but NO ONE can deny he was one of the best players - specifically his rebounding and defense! so many of the former "bad boys" will be there tomorrow night! I can't wait. It will be fun and nice - I hope we can maybe do some pictures or autographs! yeah.
so - my guilt is fading - and my conflicting feels as well - but we love our kids - and I'll have fun with the one I do have! He even told the teacher i was driving before we told her - and it may work out as one family I think was driving - their van died on the way to school this morning! so it probably all worked out -hopefully I can post pictures.
have a blessed night.
Gail
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
No news - guess that means its good?
No news - not much on the referral scene - have heard two families received referrals for little girls - but that's it. I know they were waiting for 12 kids to be ready to refer out - so maybe others received referrals and didn't post - which is totally fine. I'm not sure I could contain myself, but then again I think its a lot to take in and maybe will want to share only with select people for a day or so.
Not much news on the Ethiopian government stuff either. USCIS has some meeting or call on 4/6 - so that's next week. I think individuals could possibly call in - but its a LONG 3-4 hour meeting. I'm sure the agency will be involved in that call so we'll just have to wait for notes or an update on all that.
Just waiting and trying to stay focused and keeping the prayers going.
We did get an interesting email from a friend Friday for an urgent prayer request - guess her friend was contemplating an abortion. Her husband left her when he found out she was expecting. How sad - I"m truly blessed to have Craig and my husband. Anyhow - we've been praying she has the baby and at least gives it up for adoption. We already said we'd adopt the child. But I know so many others that would be willing to do the same - so my friend knows that. I know there are a few others at our church alone in the adoption process. So this woman has options. So please keep her in your prayers, she still has time to make the "choice" - and still considering her options.
I am just enjoying life with my little guy - he's a hoot - he's a blessing as well. And continuing to dream about our future child and all that we will do to change our lives! I can't wait. I should be reading more books, but I haven't - I need to.
Ok - enough - a pretty boring update - but wanted to just share.
Gail
Not much news on the Ethiopian government stuff either. USCIS has some meeting or call on 4/6 - so that's next week. I think individuals could possibly call in - but its a LONG 3-4 hour meeting. I'm sure the agency will be involved in that call so we'll just have to wait for notes or an update on all that.
Just waiting and trying to stay focused and keeping the prayers going.
We did get an interesting email from a friend Friday for an urgent prayer request - guess her friend was contemplating an abortion. Her husband left her when he found out she was expecting. How sad - I"m truly blessed to have Craig and my husband. Anyhow - we've been praying she has the baby and at least gives it up for adoption. We already said we'd adopt the child. But I know so many others that would be willing to do the same - so my friend knows that. I know there are a few others at our church alone in the adoption process. So this woman has options. So please keep her in your prayers, she still has time to make the "choice" - and still considering her options.
I am just enjoying life with my little guy - he's a hoot - he's a blessing as well. And continuing to dream about our future child and all that we will do to change our lives! I can't wait. I should be reading more books, but I haven't - I need to.
Ok - enough - a pretty boring update - but wanted to just share.
Gail
Thursday, March 24, 2011
ET Christians home's burnt
Ok - if the link above doesn't work - here it is again:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/24/thousands-christians-displaced-ethiopia-muslim-extremists-torch-churches-homes-2057387870/
anyhow - Christians in ET are being threatened and homes burnt just because they believe in God! How sad - please say prayers the extremists are brought to justice and realize they just can't do this. Hopefully the government will continue be able to stop all this madness.
I can't imagine -if you read the story - waking up to a note on my front door saying my family must move, die r convert to Islam! Just crazy-
I believe that everyone has a choice to believe in their own beliefs and chose the religion that they want - its nice to be American. I guess I'll pray that our next child is from a Christian family - b ut even if not - they will know the Lord and our lives will be blessed.
Gail
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/24/thousands-christians-displaced-ethiopia-muslim-extremists-torch-churches-homes-2057387870/
anyhow - Christians in ET are being threatened and homes burnt just because they believe in God! How sad - please say prayers the extremists are brought to justice and realize they just can't do this. Hopefully the government will continue be able to stop all this madness.
I can't imagine -if you read the story - waking up to a note on my front door saying my family must move, die r convert to Islam! Just crazy-
I believe that everyone has a choice to believe in their own beliefs and chose the religion that they want - its nice to be American. I guess I'll pray that our next child is from a Christian family - b ut even if not - they will know the Lord and our lives will be blessed.
Gail
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
REFERRALS COMING OUT
Great news - I heard that two families from our agency were introduced via email/video - you name it their beautiful little girls on Friday. I know the agency had about 12 kids ready for referrals and suddenly they are coming out! So that leaves another 10 kids out of the 12 - yeah!
granted we were #20 on the list - so now we're up to #18 - yeah! I'll take it. I'm just thankful that the kids are gettng their forever families - no the families as well are becoming COMPLETE! Its not just the kids - but also the families get their forever child as well.
Yeah for them. and to just know - they were both little girls - its wonderful.
Please keep Gabe and many others in your prayers this week.
God Bless
Gail
granted we were #20 on the list - so now we're up to #18 - yeah! I'll take it. I'm just thankful that the kids are gettng their forever families - no the families as well are becoming COMPLETE! Its not just the kids - but also the families get their forever child as well.
Yeah for them. and to just know - they were both little girls - its wonderful.
Please keep Gabe and many others in your prayers this week.
God Bless
Gail
Baby Gabe's Latest Update from Rebekah
This note was posted today to Baby Gabe's Journal:
I've been waiting for that quiet moment where I can write an update but so far that hasn't happened. Gabe is in the hospital right now with a nasty virus and high fever. We are scheduled to leave for Chicago tomorrow and are hoping at this point he will be released in time to go there and meet with a neurosurgeon and a hematologist. His brain surgery has been rescheduled for April 18th. So, as I'm sure you can see we have had some obstacles in our way. Some of you may remember the very similiar situation the last trip to Chicago. Just pray...
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Happy, Sunny Saturday with Nate
Ok - trying to have more positives out here and just random - NON government or agency posts. Granted I do have a tidbit - but figured save that for the end.
So just a random day - hanging with my beautiful son Nate! AKA my miracle child by birth. No idea if I ever posted about that - but he was! took LOTS and LOTS and even more fertility drugs and shots to have him. The month it finally worked was the month the specialists called to "talk about IVF or adoption" - well I was pg! So that day was November 2003 - my little man turns 7 this summer. You can look at the archives and find the positives way back when. The blog started under a sad note when my mom died. But today I FEEL her around me. Maybe because I had dreams she was hanging with Nate and I last night! Oh - if only - but she is here in spirit. She held Nate in heaven to keep him safe for 17 days before he arrived!
So yeah - where's the happy - yeah just spending time with my little man! And looking forward to adding another. Woke up WAY to early - around 6 am and took Nate to see Dr. Kaz to have his 6 year molars sealed! What joy. HE was a trooper. Then off to Kohl's to spend my bday $ - bought me some new shoes! Yeah. Then signed up for soccer, off to JC Penny to find Nate some new jeans and lunch! took a little snooze and now time to write this - yeah I know still boring.
But its Saturday in the Detroit area, its sunny! And sorta warm - spring is coming. I saw a red robin the other day and its a huge sign for spring. I'm starting to hear the birds chirping in the early morning - just love it! Tomorrow I'm seeing a dear friend and then spending time with my brother and Stacey - should be fun.
Just a day to rejoice and be happy to be alive and know that God's taking care of us - he brought us Nate and he'll bring us child #2. I saw this family in the mall today, a white mom and a little black boy. I don't know the proper way to say it - but its beautiful. It makes me think that will be us someday soon. And the one tidbit - I saw it on a yahoo group that another agency posted so I do not know if its true - but MOWA did 25 cases yesterday! Way up from 5! I'll take it.
If you can go out side and enjoy the sunshine and look for the giant moon today! I sure can't wait!
Happy random Saturday
So just a random day - hanging with my beautiful son Nate! AKA my miracle child by birth. No idea if I ever posted about that - but he was! took LOTS and LOTS and even more fertility drugs and shots to have him. The month it finally worked was the month the specialists called to "talk about IVF or adoption" - well I was pg! So that day was November 2003 - my little man turns 7 this summer. You can look at the archives and find the positives way back when. The blog started under a sad note when my mom died. But today I FEEL her around me. Maybe because I had dreams she was hanging with Nate and I last night! Oh - if only - but she is here in spirit. She held Nate in heaven to keep him safe for 17 days before he arrived!
So yeah - where's the happy - yeah just spending time with my little man! And looking forward to adding another. Woke up WAY to early - around 6 am and took Nate to see Dr. Kaz to have his 6 year molars sealed! What joy. HE was a trooper. Then off to Kohl's to spend my bday $ - bought me some new shoes! Yeah. Then signed up for soccer, off to JC Penny to find Nate some new jeans and lunch! took a little snooze and now time to write this - yeah I know still boring.
But its Saturday in the Detroit area, its sunny! And sorta warm - spring is coming. I saw a red robin the other day and its a huge sign for spring. I'm starting to hear the birds chirping in the early morning - just love it! Tomorrow I'm seeing a dear friend and then spending time with my brother and Stacey - should be fun.
Just a day to rejoice and be happy to be alive and know that God's taking care of us - he brought us Nate and he'll bring us child #2. I saw this family in the mall today, a white mom and a little black boy. I don't know the proper way to say it - but its beautiful. It makes me think that will be us someday soon. And the one tidbit - I saw it on a yahoo group that another agency posted so I do not know if its true - but MOWA did 25 cases yesterday! Way up from 5! I'll take it.
If you can go out side and enjoy the sunshine and look for the giant moon today! I sure can't wait!
Happy random Saturday
Thursday, March 17, 2011
More updates on changes - found from yahoo groups
Post copied from a yahoo group I'm in- I do not know what agency this family is working with. Anyhow - this is the much needed good news we need to start to look at. Or continue to focus on. I know I keep telling people what Craig tells me - continue to focus on the positive and always do the right thing And that's all we can do - keep moving forward. God has his plan - as rough and hard as it is for me - I have to keep that in mind. but maybe this delay is because we have a LOT of stuff in our own lives to just get ready to prepare for our beautiful child. so we should just keep that in mind I know I'm not good at waiting and not good at focusing on the positive all the time - but I'm trying.
so enjoy the post.
Gail & Craig
so enjoy the post.
Gail & Craig
Wanted to pass along some information we received from our agency today:
"Today we want to update you on the feedback we received yesterday from our foreign staff in Ethiopia, which was confirmed in a discussion with our adoption colleagues in a Joint Council caucus call later in the day.
At this time, all Foreign Staff on the ground in Ethiopia are reporting that MOWA has completed their staffing changes and are now currently working at full capacity to complete those adoption cases currently re-scheduled or assigned a court appointment through the courts of Addis Ababa. Our staff believe this to be around 800 cases they are working at full force to complete with no restrictions on the number of cases processed each day. This is great news! We are thrilled to hear these drastic changes do not seem to be going into full effect.
We are also pleased to report that for new cases moving forward; it appears the original changes proposed by MOWA will not be implemented to the degree of 5 cases a day. At this time it is unknown whether or not MOWA will issue a formal statement regarding how they will process cases in the future, but from all discussions it will not be a drastic decrease from before. Through the continued work, meetings, and advocacy of many Foreign Staff members in Ethiopia, it appears any future changes within the case processing for MOWA will avoid sweeping and disproportionate alterations to the number of cases processed each day. Rather, the hope is that MOWA, Joint Council, Adoption Service Providers, the US Department of State and other NGO organizations can come together to support the government of Ethiopia in strengthening the process for ethical adoptions to continue while also improving the general social structures to assist with family preservation in Ethiopia. This plan was acknowledged in the recent posting by the US State Department this morning at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia.html. We understand the US Department of State cannot issue a formal statement without MOWA issuing a retraction. Based on the information we are receiving, MOWA is concentrating on processing the current adoptions and the new staff is not focused on numbers, but doing their jobs."
"Today we want to update you on the feedback we received yesterday from our foreign staff in Ethiopia, which was confirmed in a discussion with our adoption colleagues in a Joint Council caucus call later in the day.
At this time, all Foreign Staff on the ground in Ethiopia are reporting that MOWA has completed their staffing changes and are now currently working at full capacity to complete those adoption cases currently re-scheduled or assigned a court appointment through the courts of Addis Ababa. Our staff believe this to be around 800 cases they are working at full force to complete with no restrictions on the number of cases processed each day. This is great news! We are thrilled to hear these drastic changes do not seem to be going into full effect.
We are also pleased to report that for new cases moving forward; it appears the original changes proposed by MOWA will not be implemented to the degree of 5 cases a day. At this time it is unknown whether or not MOWA will issue a formal statement regarding how they will process cases in the future, but from all discussions it will not be a drastic decrease from before. Through the continued work, meetings, and advocacy of many Foreign Staff members in Ethiopia, it appears any future changes within the case processing for MOWA will avoid sweeping and disproportionate alterations to the number of cases processed each day. Rather, the hope is that MOWA, Joint Council, Adoption Service Providers, the US Department of State and other NGO organizations can come together to support the government of Ethiopia in strengthening the process for ethical adoptions to continue while also improving the general social structures to assist with family preservation in Ethiopia. This plan was acknowledged in the recent posting by the US State Department this morning at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia.html. We understand the US Department of State cannot issue a formal statement without MOWA issuing a retraction. Based on the information we are receiving, MOWA is concentrating on processing the current adoptions and the new staff is not focused on numbers, but doing their jobs."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
US Dept of STate posting - 3/16/11
Adoption Notice
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
Summary of March 11 Ethiopia Conference Call
March 16, 2011
U.S. Department of State, Office of Children’s Issues, Adoption Division hosted a conference call for Adoption Service Providers on March 11, 2011 at 10:45 am to discuss recent announcements made by the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s, Children’s and Youth Affairs (MOWCYA). Below is a summary of information presented on the call.
As was stated in the March 9, 2011 Adoption Alert, the Department of State received information on the announcement made by the MOWCYA regarding the planned reduction in workload processing.
· MOWCYA planned to implement a reduction of case processing from approximately 50 cases reviewed per day to no more than 5 cases reviewed per day.
· MOWCYA has stated that this reduction is to improve screening of adoption cases while also devoting existing resources to other priorities on vulnerable children.
· MOWCYA reviews each adoption case at two points in the process: after the match with prospective adoptive parents and after the final court decree to approve issuance of new birth certificate and passport for child.
· MOWCYA has not announced any implementation guidelines on how reduction in processing will affect each stage of the process.
· If only 5 cases are reviewed per day, delays could be significant. Calculations based on rough estimates of cases in process (around 1000) indicate delays of one year or more.
· Department of State defines ‘cases in process’ as those whose dossier has been accepted up to those cases that have received the final letter approving issuance of passport and birth certificate.
· We are working on getting more details on implementation guidelines.
Since announcement, the Department of State has heard many rumors, but none have been substantiated. The U.S. Embassy can confirm that the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs has shuffled the portfolios of key adoption personnel. The Embassy has not been able to confirm how this reorganization may affect the processing of cases through the ministry.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is discussing the possibility of developing a consolidated assistance proposal to MOWCYA to find out what the resource
Update as we know it - 3/16/11 & PRAYER requests
Below is the update as we know it - so lets continue to keep the faith. There will need to be changes and we have all known there were some unethical agencies over there. I'm still thankful AAI is not one of them but they will still probably need to help do the right things.
On another note - please pray for the following:
- little Gabriel as he prepares for brain surgery on Monday! His family is hoping to get to Chicago to see an expert this week and possibly avoid the surgery or postpone it.
- a co-worker - I just know their spouse was recently diagnosed with cancer and praying for peace, comfort and some good news
- for friends that are struggling in their personal lives and afraid to let others in. On a good note -sometimes someone loves you enough to LET US IN and we know it will be alright.
Thanks
Gail
Families~
We know you have been waiting, as we were, to hear about what took place at the meeting today. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns, but this it what we have been told:
-The chairman of the agency network committee had a phone call with the minister of the adoption unit at MOWA prior to the meeting. We do not know when this phone call took place. The meeting was with all the agency reps, not with MOWA. Apparently, the minister had too big of a workload to meet; this is why the phone call took place.
-The minister (of MOWA adoption unit) told the chairman (of agencies) that there is evidence of wrong doing by agencies. If agencies work hard at correcting this a reversal may be considered.
-The agency reps came up with a "code of conduct" and have a specific committee put in place to hold agencies accountable.
-The agency reps decided to have the network committee write up an appeal asking the minister to reverse the decision urgently.
-the minister ordered the MOWA adoption workers to clear the back log of court cases within 10 days. This applies to anyone who has a court case scheduled and might even apply to any case that has been submitted to court, waiting for court date.
-the time line is not known for any of this
Although we were really hoping for a concrete positive decision to be made or announced today, we do feel that it is a positive sign that the minister seems to know the importance of clearing up the current backlog of court cases. We also feel it is a positive sign that the minister appears to be open to changing this new process of 5 letters, provided agencies follow through on what they have been told to do.
We have a conference call with all agencies later today and are hoping to get an idea about what other agencies are feeling right now. If we have any new information after that call, we will be sure to post it.
Stay tuned,
On another note - please pray for the following:
- little Gabriel as he prepares for brain surgery on Monday! His family is hoping to get to Chicago to see an expert this week and possibly avoid the surgery or postpone it.
- a co-worker - I just know their spouse was recently diagnosed with cancer and praying for peace, comfort and some good news
- for friends that are struggling in their personal lives and afraid to let others in. On a good note -sometimes someone loves you enough to LET US IN and we know it will be alright.
Thanks
Gail
Families~
We know you have been waiting, as we were, to hear about what took place at the meeting today. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns, but this it what we have been told:
-The chairman of the agency network committee had a phone call with the minister of the adoption unit at MOWA prior to the meeting. We do not know when this phone call took place. The meeting was with all the agency reps, not with MOWA. Apparently, the minister had too big of a workload to meet; this is why the phone call took place.
-The minister (of MOWA adoption unit) told the chairman (of agencies) that there is evidence of wrong doing by agencies. If agencies work hard at correcting this a reversal may be considered.
-The agency reps came up with a "code of conduct" and have a specific committee put in place to hold agencies accountable.
-The agency reps decided to have the network committee write up an appeal asking the minister to reverse the decision urgently.
-the minister ordered the MOWA adoption workers to clear the back log of court cases within 10 days. This applies to anyone who has a court case scheduled and might even apply to any case that has been submitted to court, waiting for court date.
-the time line is not known for any of this
Although we were really hoping for a concrete positive decision to be made or announced today, we do feel that it is a positive sign that the minister seems to know the importance of clearing up the current backlog of court cases. We also feel it is a positive sign that the minister appears to be open to changing this new process of 5 letters, provided agencies follow through on what they have been told to do.
We have a conference call with all agencies later today and are hoping to get an idea about what other agencies are feeling right now. If we have any new information after that call, we will be sure to post it.
Stay tuned,
Monday, March 14, 2011
Joint Council POST - good news
below is another email today from AAI- man they are just on top of it all - very blessed. I know there are a ton of awesome agencies - AAI is one of them - so just know if you trust your agency - you have a good one. Some get more information out - its probably staff size and such -
gail
_ethiopia_adoption@yahoogroups.com
Dear Families~
Joint Council posted the following annoucement today. This is something that we have heard rumors about as well, but have not yet been able to confirm:
"Ethiopia – Update 3/14/11
Various blogs and listservs are reporting that the Ethiopian Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs has announced a revised plan which includes the processing of 20 adoption cases per day. While Joint Council has also been provided with this information, it is our understanding that no decision has been made or announcement published by the Government of Ethiopia.
We believe that it is premature to speculate on the intentions of the Ministry but rather seek to continue to partner with the Government of Ethiopia and use this opportunity to increase child and family protections while continuing intercountry adoption. Joint Council fully supports the government's efforts to increase the capacity for regulatory oversight of service providers, strengthen the review of each adoption case and expand social services to Ethiopian children and families."
Rumor I hope is a fact
So our wonderful agency is keeping us informed - a meeting they thought was going to happen today is now on Wednesday - I will take it.
Anyhow another few people have "heard" that they are increasing adoptions to 20/day instead of the 5 - still not the 40-50 that had been happening - but its a start. I'll take that as well. Just so many kids wanting a good loving home.
thanks to all that have signed the online petition - its important to get that out there - the agency running it is reputable and one of the best adoption organizations in the world. They monitor and help - they do not adopt themselves.
Gail
Anyhow another few people have "heard" that they are increasing adoptions to 20/day instead of the 5 - still not the 40-50 that had been happening - but its a start. I'll take that as well. Just so many kids wanting a good loving home.
thanks to all that have signed the online petition - its important to get that out there - the agency running it is reputable and one of the best adoption organizations in the world. They monitor and help - they do not adopt themselves.
Gail
Saturday, March 12, 2011
birthday's - gotta love 'em and hate 'em
Yep - happy birthday to me (and my sister in law and mother in law (she's in heaven now) - so I'm trying to be happy. Its hard - my mom always made a big deal out of it- with the little things. the scavenger hunt for a few presents in the morning, family dinner - whatever we wanted (typically for me banquet fried chicken and mashed potatoes - yummy) - anyhow - if you ever want to see the sad story go back in blog history to 2004- starts then! I miss her SO MUCH - and my dearest husband misses his mom today - so it sucks.
All to have the unknown of our future child. I finally met a facebook friend today - Rachel and her family she's been through this with Guatemala - so that was nice. As she put it I'm probably numb - yep that's it.
so to top it all off our van that was in the shop yesterday $$$ - hit a nice pot hole - not hard to do in Detroit suburbs - I hit the same one earlier in the day - but one flat and possibly two bent rims- great! more $$$ - ha like we have it - gotta love fate or life - whatever you want to call it - it sucks sometimes. And guess what - they are brand new tires too! - just loving the joke there -
so hopefully tomorrow brings us much needed good luck - we have our small group an that's good - and just a meeting that NEEDS to turn positive.
so here I am alone typing this missing family - my dad's moved away and my brother had stuff going on I just wish My family was one larger - one more little one I thought I'd have that wish next year - but now I have to wonder. I"ll be a new mom at 42 - Lord help me.
ok - yeah depressing but I think it is this way in adoption with holidays- always hoping the next one you have your child - I just don't know if that will be the case - but I did get some good books - can't wait to start reading them.
Have a good night all - thanks for reading my thoughts - and remember - turn those clocks a head.
Gail
All to have the unknown of our future child. I finally met a facebook friend today - Rachel and her family she's been through this with Guatemala - so that was nice. As she put it I'm probably numb - yep that's it.
so to top it all off our van that was in the shop yesterday $$$ - hit a nice pot hole - not hard to do in Detroit suburbs - I hit the same one earlier in the day - but one flat and possibly two bent rims- great! more $$$ - ha like we have it - gotta love fate or life - whatever you want to call it - it sucks sometimes. And guess what - they are brand new tires too! - just loving the joke there -
so hopefully tomorrow brings us much needed good luck - we have our small group an that's good - and just a meeting that NEEDS to turn positive.
so here I am alone typing this missing family - my dad's moved away and my brother had stuff going on I just wish My family was one larger - one more little one I thought I'd have that wish next year - but now I have to wonder. I"ll be a new mom at 42 - Lord help me.
ok - yeah depressing but I think it is this way in adoption with holidays- always hoping the next one you have your child - I just don't know if that will be the case - but I did get some good books - can't wait to start reading them.
Have a good night all - thanks for reading my thoughts - and remember - turn those clocks a head.
Gail
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