FTIA is partnering with Bethany Christian Services of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Ethiopia. Bethany Christian Services is licensed in Ethiopia, and FTIA is not currently licensed in Ethiopia. FTIA filed for our license in 2007 and we were anticipating receiving our license, but a moratorium went into effect and all applications were put on hold. FTIA has been supporting an Ethiopia Non Governmental Organization that established an orphanage and provides other social services to children and families in economic difficulties including family preservation services through micro counseling services and supporting/enabling children to stay in school. The orphanage is receiving children, some of whom will be cleared for international adoption. By working together in partnership, FTIA and Bethany Christian Services will be able to place children from Ethiopia needing permanency and loving homes.

Our partnership with Bethany Christian Services will not impact how we interact with adoptive families. You can apply to FTIA, and our staff will guide you through the process, just as with any country program. This partnership allows both FTIA and Bethany to provide homes to children in a way that benefits both the children of Ethiopia needing homes/families and the adoptive families. All adoptions will be completed under Bethany's license and by Bethany representatives in Ethiopia.