[zanneful]

Hi
I'm researching country programs right now and Ethipia is on my short list along with Haiti. Advice is welcome. I'm wondering about referral times, travel advice (i've never been to Africa), and whether or not we get to choose the sex of the child. Really basic stuff. Don't worry about immigration info please. unless you're from Canada it won't apply. Thanks so much in advance.
Suzanne

[Petsitter]

A lot of things will depend on the agency you use, including referral times and if they will let you choose gender. I would suggest you contact several agencies. I know some are saying 2-4 months to referral and some are saying 18-24 months. It all depends on the size of their program, number of families in line before you.. other factors too.

One thing to keep in mind at this time of year is the impending court closures that are coming up. I am hearing August-October.

Good luck!

[zanneful]

court closures?

[Petsitter]

Yes, the courts will be closed August and September (every year).

[kerriv]

Haiti and Ethiopia were on my short list too. I ended up going with Ethiopia. The program seems more stable in Ethiopia. You may wait awhile for a referral from Ethiopia but an adoption is completed in just a few months after that - 4-5. An adoption from Haiti is taking 1-2 years to complete after referral right now from my understanding. One good thing about Haiti is that you can visit during process with many orphanages and you can do an independent adoption and save the agency fees.
Good luck in your decision making.

[zanneful]

Thanks so much for your help. It's really appreciated. I don't think that the court closures will affect us this year. We are just getting information mailed to us from an agency. Canadian Advocates for the Adoption of Children. I have some friends that have used their services and speak very highly of them. They're in province too so that will make it easier to coordinate everything. Every province has it's own criteria. Is it the same way in the U.S.
Thanks again. I'm going to get in the garden while it's still light out.

Suzanne