News and Updates from Ethiopia

New court travel requirements

-As you know, starting May 9, 2010, families must be present for their court appointment
-One parent will be allowed to represent the family at either court or embassy appointments. It will not need to be the same parent.
-The in-country time needed for the court appointment will be less than 24 hours.
-Parents will be required to visit their child before going to their court appointment.
-More information on visiting your kids while you are there for court will be coming soon. 


Travel Advisory
As you may be aware, the State Department has issued a travel advisory to Ethiopia until after the May 23 election. At this point, we ask families to utilize basic safety practice: avoid large groups or public gatherings, avoid traveling at night, stay within the city of Addis Ababa. Please see the complete advisory at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_ethiopia.html



And Now Some GOOD News:

-IAN has reached agreements with two new orphanages to place children with families! We hope to begin finding families for these kids in the next few weeks.
-IAN’s care home will be moving in the next few weeks. We have already outgrown our current location, so the new home will have eight rooms, and will house 10-20 more children.
-The new care home will allow kids 2 1/2 years and up to attend preschool classes at the care home.