A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break —African Proverb
We are happy to provide Ethiopian post adoption services to adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents whose adoptions were completed by Children’s Home. If your adoption was completed by another agency that no longer offers Post Adoption Services, please contact our staff about your individual circumstance to determine if we are able to provide services.
Travel Support & In-Country Meetings
If you are planning a trip to Ethiopia we can locate birth family members and facilitate a meeting during your visit. Prior to beginning the search, our social worker will speak with you about your hopes and expectations, age-appropriate dialogue, range of possible outcomes, and access to support systems. The Children’s Home staff in Ethiopia will locate and prepare the family you will be visiting. They can help arrange transportation to and from the meeting for both you and the individuals you are meeting with. During the meeting, they will provide translation and facilitation. When birth families are not able to be located or are unknown, our Ethiopia staff may be able to arrange a visit to the place where the child was born, raised, or found, and facilitate meetings with other important people such as witnesses.
Fees for this service include the U.S. and Ethiopian staff time and expenses. You will be responsible for in-country fees such as transportation and accommodations. If arrangements are made through our services, we will provide you with a fee estimate prior to travel.
All service requests must be received at least two weeks prior to travel. If requests are made within 30 days of travel, a rush fee may apply.
Birth Family Correspondence
You are invited to send updates, photographs, letters, children’s artwork, etc. to your birth family. As an adoptee or adoptive family, you may ask questions about the birth family. You may request additional photos of the birth family. Our staff in Ethiopia will travel to the family and facilitate a meaningful response. Our correspondence fee covers U.S. and Ethiopian staff time, expense, travel, and translation costs.
U.S. File Review & Document Copies
Adoptive parents and adopted adults are able to request their U.S. file be reviewed for additional or missing information. Requests for allowable file copies are also honored. All requests are subject to Minnesota Post Adoption Information Release laws.
Contact [email protected] or call 651.255.2371 to request a service packet and learn more.
Note: You may apply to our Adoption Support Fund to cover fees associated with your service(s).
Family Support Coach for Foster Adoptive Families
You may apply to our Adoption Support Fund to cover fees associated with your service(s)
We do not want the fees for services to be a barrier to individuals looking for post adoption support. Please contact us to inquire about our Adoption Support Fund grants for individuals adopted through Children’s Home & LSS. Applicants are evaluated based on financial criteria including need, income ($100,000 gross income or less with a $10,000 deduction for each child in the home), expenses, assets, and debts. Grants typically range from $70 – $3,000. Please contact Kristina Berg for an Adoption Support Fund application.
Learn More About Our Family Support Coach Program
