This has been the BIG question we are being asked by everyone so I though I would explain the process here. Here are the steps involved in the process.
§ Our placement agency sends us hard copy of referral documents. (1 week)
§ We return the signed acceptance document along with the applicable fees due.
§ Our placement agency's staff in Ethiopia turns our dossier into MOWA (Ministry of Women's Affairs in Ethiopia).
§ MOWA creates a dossier for the children, approves us, and generates a letter to the court system.
§ A court date is set.
§ Our placement agency's staff in Ethiopia makes sure all necessary documents are prepared prior to the court date.
§ Court hears our case, approves, or if not, sets another court date which can be weeks or months later. Our power of attorney, the agency's facilitator is present for this.
§ Court approves adoption.
§ Our placement agency is notified of the status via their facilitator, who is our power of attorney.
§ Our placement agency's staff in Ethiopia applies for the childrens' birth certificates and passports.
§ Our placement agency's staff in Ethiopia schedules the VISA appointment at the US Ethiopian Embassy, once the BC and passport are generated.
§ Our placement agency notifies us of the appointment and we schedule our travel accordingly.
