In this research paper Asnakech Tesfaye explores the expectations of Ethiopian children applying for an Australian Orphan Visa. Tesfaye’s research found children applying for visas expected to get better education, employment, material benefits and living conditions. Children were concerned about how they would be treated by relatives abroad. Tesfaye noted a lack of clarity on the legal protection that these children should receive in international kinship care arrangements. He found them to be in a precarious socio-legal situation.
Tesfaye notes that at five million orphans, Ethiopia has one of the largest populations of orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. Of those, over 90% are taken care of by the extended family. In response, the Ethiopian government has alternative care regulations and guidelines in place. A popular alternative care arrangement is the Kinship Care Arrangement, which can be arranged domestically or across international borders. Tesfaya points out that a large number of Ethiopian children move internationally to establish kinship care.
Tesfaye points out that kinship care scenarios have existed in Ethiopia for centuries. One in five households in Ethiopia has a foster child. There have been several reasons for large scale orphaning. At the time of the writing of this paper, the cause centered around HIV/AIDS. Due to this epidemic, hundreds of children are placed with families overseas ever year.
In reviewing children’s expectations, the services available did not match children’s expectations. Tesfaye finds that the issue of international kinship care remains widely unexamined. This study finds that children are not receiving an appropriate level of pre-placement support. Care workers need to be more responsive to the needs of the child.