Government ends Ethiopian adoption program

PROSPECTIVE parents will no longer be able to adopt children from Ethiopia after the government ended its adoption program with the country.

By Michelle Ainsworth / Herald Sun

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said the decision had come after years of problems with the program.

"Unfortunately the adoption environment in Ethiopia has become increasingly unpredictable, complex and uncertain, leaving many prospective Australian parents in limbo for years," Ms Roxon said.

The inter-country adoption agreement had been plagued with issues, including a one-year suspension of adoptions.

Ms Roxon said the government would work with Australian families who had been trying to adopt a child from Ethiopia.

"I know that there are families who have been committed to the program and will be disappointed."