CHSFS-Ethiopia Newsletter

This is the recent newsletter we received from CHS. The agency originally had two different facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that they used for orphanges, one facility for the younger children and one facility for the older children. This created problems for sibling groups, since they might rarely see each other if they were located at the two different facilities. CHS-Ethiopia received some cricism for this, since this added extra stress on sibling groups (who had lost parents and now were being separated from their sibling(s). Thus, CHS-Ethiopia annouced in its newest newsletter that they are now partnering with the Mussie Orphange (see pictures above). This new, larger facility will allow CHS to house all its orphans under one roof (and a beautiful roof at that).

Newsletter -

Mussie Orpahanage ~
As recently announced in the Ethiopia Program Newsletter, CHSFS is now formally partnering with Mussie Orphanage, a newly licensed Ethiopian orphanage. Because of this childcare partnership, CHSFS Ethiopia has decided it is no longer necessary to operate a separate care center in Addis Ababa.

CHSFS would like to give you a better understanding of this new childcare arrangement and provide a clearer sense of what Mussie Oprhanage looks like.

Quality of Care ~
First and foremost, this arrangement does not mean the quality of care is any different than previously provided by CHSFS Ethiopia.

Mussie Orphanage follows the same caregiver to child ratio as those at the former CHSFS Ethiopia Care Center. Nurses are on site 24 hours a day. There is a separate area on-site for doctor's offices. Also on-site is an area used as isolation (when a child first enters care).

All staff will remain employed; those in the administrative office, under CHSFS-Ethiopia; and those in the care center under Mussie Orphanage.

Mussie Orphanage facility meets, and in some cases exceeds, the standards set previously by CHSFS Care Center. For example, Mussie Orphanage is a large facility where all children are cared for at the same location. There is ample room for all children to play and interact, including sibling groups.

When asked to describe Mussie Orphanage, CHSFS Social Work Supervisor, Peg Studaker said; "Bright and cheery! Warm environment with lots of room for the kids to run and play. Large rooms that allow the sunlight to pour in and a large outdoor play area. "

Overview of New Arrangement ~

In accordance with Ethiopian law and adoption guidelines, registered international adoption agencies (like CHSFS) must work in partnership with and a licensed Ethiopian orphanage (such as Mussie). The adoption agency works cooperatively with the orphanage throughout the child's adoption process.
During an adoption, the child is legally represented by the licensed Ethiopian orphanage until their case has been approved through the federal Ethiopian court. The adoptive family is represented by the licensed adoption agency. With the new arrangement between CHSFS and Mussie Orphanage we are certain the level of care is equal to that previously provided by the CHSFS Care Center. Therefore, CHSFS Ethiopia has decided to have the children under the physical care of Mussie Orphanage throughout the child's process.

Location of Mussie Orphanage ~

Mussie Orphanage is located in the same neighborhood of Addis Ababa as the former CHSFS Care Center and former CHSFS Administrative building.
The Mussie facility was built as a private home, but has now been converted to care for children. The facility features a large main building as well as two separate smaller buildings. The smaller buildings will be used as an on-site clinic for children in care and as isolation area for children just entering care.
The walk from the CHSFS Guesthouse will be slightly longer to Mussie Orphanage than it was to the CHSFS Care Center; therefore transportation will be provided by CHSFS for those interested.