Ethiopia Update

It has certainly been an emotional few weeks for the FTIA Ethiopia Program.  I appreciate every one's patience as I endeavored to answer your questions and address your concerns regarding the changes in FTIA's program and the most recent announcement that Shalom is under investigation.  I have copied below the text of an announcement that Bethany sent to their adoptive families earlier this week. 

Please know that to this point FTIA has not had any cases investigated prior to the visa being issued for a child.  We hope and expect that trend to continue.  As you are likely hearing from other adoptive parents, the US embassy is taking longer to issue visa interview appointments so we do not yet know how long it will take for interview appointments to be scheduled once all of the paperwork has been submitted to the embassy.

We will have our regularly scheduled conference call on Monday, January 10th at 7:00 pm central time.  To join the call dial 1-800-944-8766 and enter code 67982.

Bethany's Post:  During the family conference call yesterday regarding Ethiopia adoptions, we discussed Bethany’s current relationships with partner orphanages.  I would like to make sure that everyone is informed that Bethany is phasing out of its relationship with Shalom. Bethany has reached this decision because of constant difficulties obtaining reliable documentation from Shalom for some time.  Bethany’s own field investigations have recently confirmed inconsistencies or/and unreliable data provided by Shalom. Almost all cases under investigation by the Embassy in Addis Ababa are from Shalom.

What does this mean?

1.        Bethany will continue to process the adoptions of all children currently referred from Shalom and make every effort to ensure their smooth completion.

2.        Bethany will completely terminate the working relationship with Shalom once all the children in the adoption process are placed with families.

3.        Bethany will continue to share post adoption reports with Shalom as always

4.        This decision will not affect the volume of referrals Bethany gets. Bethany's Country Director is currently finalizing other working relationships with two child-welfare agencies in Ethiopia who will make referrals to Bethany.

There is no reason for families to panic regarding this decision by Bethany. We expect placements to move forward with cases already referred/accepted. Thank you for your partnership in serving children and families through the Ethiopia program.

The Ethiopia Team  

Positive Adoption Movie January 8th on FOX

Posted on behalf of Moms4FamilyTV Partnership Development

I work with a grassroots organization called Moms4FamilyTV, and our goal is to promote high-quality family friendly entertainment that the entire family can watch together. Our initiative is sponsored by Walmart and P&G, who have made it their goal to "bring back family movie night" by producing family entertainment for NBC and FOX.

The next film, Change of Plans will air January 8th 8/7c on FOX.  This heart-warming, funny film surrounds a married couple with no kids, who--through unfortunate events –ends up adopting 4 kids from Africa, Asia, and South America. The film reveals how fulfilling life can be when you look beyond your own plans and invest in the lives of others. The film is also very pro-adoption!
Will you please help us make a difference?

We are asking organizations like yours to help spread the word about Family Movie Night and Change of Plans……

·        Tune in:  January 8^th at 8/7c on FOX. 

·        Share:   Post the trailer on your website & Facebook page

·        Change of Plans - Trailer

·        Spread the Word:  Send an email or newsletter to your members

Change of Plans airs on Saturday, January 8th 8/7c on Fox. Please let me know if you plan on helping to spread the word. 

---

Thanks

Bethany Vondran

Moms4FamilyTV Partnership Development

513-403-8945

Moms4FamilyTV.com is affiliated with the producers of the content discussed on this website.

Shalom Orphanage

Unfortunately, I did not receive news of the investigations surrounding Shalom until after it was discussed on the conference call this morning.  Please be assured that I will work with Bethany to get further details and pass them along to you.  We have completed nearly 20 adoptions with Shalom without incident and have not been informed about any specific FTIA cases being investigated.  As soon as i know more I will pass it on.

We currently have five families in process with referrals from Shalom.  Three of those families have passed court and are waiting to hear news regarding their embassy appointment.   Two families are making travel plans for their first trip court dates.  One will be in February and one in March. 

I will likely be posting more information for you later this week.

Salome LaMarche
Director of Programs

Conference Call on Monday, December 27at 7:00 Central Time

Happy Holidays!

Although I am not in the office next week, I plan to conduct our conference call on Monday as planned.  We will have to limit this call to 30 minutes because I have a call planned with Nepal families at 7:30.  I hope to have some updates to share Monday evening regarding court dates and/or Embassy appointments.  Of course, the families involved will receive personal notification before the call but I will share the general news with the group.

To join the call, dial 1-800-944-8766 and enter the code 39085.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Salome LaMarche

Ten Things Adoptive Parents Need to Know -Post # 10

This is the final post in the ten week series of  Ten Things Adoptive Parents Need to Know, which was developed by Richard Sudsberry, MA, LMFT, LMHC, who is a clinician specializing in attachment and children.  As a reminder, we will be hosting a webinar on January 6^th, 2011 entitled Ten Things Adoptive Parents Need to Know.  Registration is limited and the invitation to register will be coming by email early next week.

The last concept is Playfulness.  Be an interesting parent.  Playfulness fosters innocence, innocence fosters vulnerability, and vulnerability fosters emotional regulation and cooperation in relationships.  The holidays present a perfect time for playfulness.  Enjoy the snow, time with family, and the joy this season brings.

We hope you will join us for the webinar!

Happy Holidays!

 

Ethiopia Adoptions In the News

Please follow the link below to view an article regarding adoption from Ethiopia.  There has been a lot of discussion recently around the concern that adoptions in Ethiopia be processed ethically and with the best interest of the children in mind.  Some cases are facing increased scrutiny by the US Embassy.  So far, FTIA has not experienced any delays and are hoping that trend will continue.

As we know more, we will certainly pass the news along to you.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Under-Pressure-Ethiopia-Plans-Crackdown-on-Baby-Business-111848424.html


Salome

Ten Things Adoptive Parents Should Know -- Post # 9

The concept for week 9 is to Provide lots of structure and nurturing.  Define roles in parent responses.  For example – “My job as your mother is to……. and your job is to……..” Children from difficult places need calm, secure rules (both formal and informal), role definitions, their unacceptable behavior to be stopped, an invitation for your child to experience things he/she finds challenging. Nurturing will include lots of rocking, holding, snuggling, healthy touches, positive eye contact, perhaps co-sleeping with young children, and using an article of clothing as a transition object.  65% of all interaction is social/emotional!

If you have any questions about the concepts presented or would like to talk in more detail please contact cscheller@ftia.org.   As a reminder, we will be hosting a webinar on January 6^th, 2011 entitled Ten Things Adoptive Parents Need to Know.  Registration information to come.