Australia - Fees increased

Ethiopia
The fees for applying to adopt from Ethiopia have been significantly increased following a
recent program review in consultation with the Ethiopian agent, Lakew and the Ethiopian
adoption authority, the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Queensland is still the lead State for the
Ethiopia program and we reproduce here the Queensland communication regarding the fee
increase:
Communication in relation to the Australian-Ethiopian Intercountry Adoption Program to all stakeholders
s
As you are aware Australia has been operating an Intercountry Adoption Program with Ethiopia since 1993. The Australian-
Ethiopian program has been successful in offering many families the opportunity to parent Ethiopian children who have been in
need of a permanent family placement. There have been strong indications that the program cannot be sustained under the
current funding arrangements. The Department of Child Safety (the Queensland Central Authority and coordinating state
agency for the Australian-Ethiopian program) has undertaken extensive work with the Australian-Ethiopian representatives to
understand the current financial situation and immediate operational requirements of the program.
During this time, the Australian African Children's Aid Support Association (AACASA) membership has been providing extra
financial support to the program to keep it operational. This has been, however, only a short-term option and can no longer be
maintained. Thanks are given to AACASA for their support and assistance during this time. The major factors influencing this
situation are:
• The increasing cost of living in Ethiopia – the country has experienced an inflation rate of approximately 11% in 2005 alone. In
particular, the costs of food, supplies and petrol impact on the operation of the program.
• No effective matching of fees to ensure meeting of financial outgoings – there was a minor increase to fees in 2004, however
this increase did not cover the additional costs incurred by the program in 2004, let alone the increase in costs from 2004 to
2007.
• Additional structural and operational requirements imposed by the Ethiopian Government on the program (with governmental
expectations that the program will secure specific accommodation and additional staff).
• An increase in the number of children coming to the program with serious health issues resulting in considerable additional
financial expense.
The Department of Child Safety has consulted with the AACASA President and Executive membership to obtain a general
sense about their support for any increase in program fees. AACASA were very specific in stating that they strongly support the
need to significantly increase program fees to ensure full cost recovery of the operating costs and ongoing viability of the
program. Moreover, they indicated their membership understands the need to increase fees and is anticipating an
announcement of fee increases in the near future.
All Ministers of the Australian states and territories have been consulted and the majority have provided their endorsement to
increase the overall program fees. The detailed analysis has determined that a 31% increase to the overall program fee is
required (this figures assumes that at least 60 children per year will need an adoptive family placement). The increase is only in
relation to the foster care fees, which provides for items such as food, accommodation and medical needs of the children.
This means that the full fee will increase from US $3,590 to US $4,700. This increase will ensure that all the costs of running the
program are met.
It is acknowledged that the increase to fees may appear significant; however, there has been no real increase to this program's
fees for the past nine years to keep pace with the significantly higher cost of living in Ethiopia. Just as importantly, analysis of
the proposed fee increase against existing fees of all other Intercountry programs actually indicates that the program would be
located mid-range across the continuum of fees. It would therefore still remain an option amongst the available programs that
most potential adoptive parents could consider. As you are aware, applicants are advised that fees are subject to change at
any time when entering any adoption program. Some countries do impose fee changes on a yearly basis.
We understand the national AACASA President has supported the fee increase and that many people have been expecting this
to occur for some time. The Queensland Department has committed to working intensively to strengthen the program and
address the other issues which are impacting on the operation of the program. We realise that an increase in fees is never
easy for people. You may have questions about the fee increase, or other aspects of the program, and we are happy to try to
answer them or take them on notice and obtain answers for you.
FEES FOR AN ADOPTION APPLICATION TO ETHIOPIA
FROM 1 MARCH 2007
Current fees Proposed new fees
Stage Stage
Admin fee for
forwarding Dossier
$750 Admin fee for
forwarding Dossier
$750 USD
Fees at allocation of
a child
$2000
(Power of attorney fee)
Fees at allocation of
a child
$2000 USD
(Power of attorney fee)
$200 per mth for Foster care fee for
AACASA members -Total of $600
$280 per mth for Foster care fee for
non-AACASA members -Total of $840
NB. If child in care over 3 mths -
balance to be paid on travel to
Ethiopia.
$1950 USD (Based on $650 per month for 3
months foster care fee for all applicants)
Total
$3350-AACASA member
$3590-non-AACASA member
$4700 USD
NB. All fees in US Dollars.
If you have any queries about the changes in fees to the Ethiopia program, please contact Deanna Hosking on
8207 0060 or email her at
deanna.hosking@dfc.sa.gov.au.