[bdbd]

would like to first introduce myself. I am new to this group as my husband and I just joined this week. We are currently 18 months into the wait for a referral from China but are now evaluating switching to an agency that does Ethiopian adoptions.

We haven't spoken with the agency yet, so I haven't been able to get any of my questions asked. One in particular gives us concern.

My husband is on long-term medical leave from work due to surgery to repair a clavicle injury from a car accident. He is a school teacher, and there are
issues with his school board re: returning to work until he is 100% better. The problem is we don't know when this will be.

He is completely functional, but he suffers from pain and needs a cane to walk when his pain is bad. There are no issues that would prevent him from parenting a child and his injuries are not life threatening. His doctor will attest to this on the medical form. I am concerned, however, about the homestudy, which will state that he is on LT disability since his surgery last February.

I am wondering if Ethiopia is as stict as China, for example, with regards to medical issues of prospective parents. I have seen the medical form, which mentions degrees of disabilities. Does anyone know how much weight is placed on what the homestudy says vs. the doctor's statement on the medical form?

I haven't been able to locate a copy of the medical form, either, so I have no idea what is says.

Has anyone had similar experiences or know of anyone that has?

Any information is appreciated.

Cheers,

Denise

[braedensmommy]

Hi, Denise!
We have just begun the process for Ethiopia. I would imagine that you could talk with your social worker and she would word in your home study to make sure that you and your husband appear as favorable as possible. I know that if you have a good social worker they are looking to place a child with loving parents and will help you with something that certainly would not impede the welfare of a child!
Good luck!
Megan

[JenC]

The medical form for Ethiopia is really really easy. LT disability shouldn't matter being as he is still physically able to parent. Seriously, our MD just did a quickie 5 minute physical on us and we had our medicals done.

[ocracoke]

I think the medical restrictions for China are far more strict then for Ethiopia. My doctor did list my diagnosis (hypothyroid) on my medical form but also indicated that I had no medical issues that would interfere with my ability to parent a child. It was like a short 2 paragraph letter from the doctor. No problems at all.

Samantha