[aprilhwth]

We are researching agencies working in Ethiopia. We were looking to use America World when we found out our home study agency (Lifeline Children's Services) is now working in Ethiopia. They are partnering with West Sands Adoptions. Yes, the wait for a referral with America World will be longer, but that's not a big deal to us. We want to make sure our adoption is ethical. If any of you have experience with America World or West Sands, please PM me.

I was also informed that it is possible for us to have an investigation done once we receive a referral to make sure the biological parents truly relinquished their rights. How would we go about this?

Lastly, we are open to a child up to age 2 or so. Do you think there is a less chance of corruption if we are open to toddler age?

[joanied]

April, Unfortunately, I don't have an answer. I share your question. Have you proceeded with West Sands? I'm contemplating the adoption of an infant from Ethiopia with West Sands. Would love to hear whether you decided to proceed with this agency. So difficult to know how to find an ethical agency!

[renee-albright]

I personally wouldn't use an agency that is partnering with another agency. I think that leaves more openings for problems. I would choose an agency licensed to operate in Ethiopia that does the work themselves.

[sak9645]

I agree with the previous post.

Most countries don't allow or strongly discourage the practice called "umbrella-ing" -- that is the practice where a placement agency that is not accredited by a certain foreign country operates under the umbrella of, or in partnership with, an agency that has accreditation, in order to place children from that country. The foreign countries generally view umbrella-ing as a way for an agency to avoid having to comply with accreditation requirements.

Now, the agency that umbrellas under an accredited agency may be of high quality and ethical. But to the foreign country, that agency is engaging in suspicious behavior. It will wonder why the agency could not get accredited on its own.

While you "might" be able to complete an adoption, working with an agency that umbrellas under another one, there is always a risk that, if the foreign government becomes aware of the situation, it will refuse to do so, which could cause you financial loss and heartache.

Sharon

[sak9645]

Let me add that, even if Ethiopia does not have a problem with your proposed adoption through an agency that umbrellas under another one, there are still some potential drawbacks -- for example:

1. Fees can wind up being higher, because you are paying two agencies to work on your behalf.
2. The process of getting questions answered or problems solved can become more complicated. When an issue arises, you will contact your agency but, instead of getting the answer from that agency, it will have to go to the partner agency to get the information to you. There is a potential for errors and delays.

Overall, my recommendation is that you work only with an agency that is directly accredited by the Ethiopian government.

To be extra careful, I would recommend working with an agency that also has Hague accreditation. While Ethiopia is not currently a Hague country, there is some speculation that it could become one. Moreover, Hague accreditation through the U.S. State Department and the Council on Accreditation of Services to Children and Families means that the agency complies with "best practices" in many areas, such as financial management.

Sharon