Less than half of the 100,000 eligible will be adopted in 2001. As a result, most of the children will leave the foster care system when they reach adulthood, many never having known a loving home of any sort. Not surprisingly, most people considering adoption never actually adopt. They run out of money or patience. This is the world of public adoption.
Private adoptions are a whole other picture.
Private adoptions are for those with money. The children most in need are the ones least likely to be served by private programs. Carrying an unwanted child to term and giving him or her up for adoption to a loving couple is a realistic alternative for young white girls. For any other potential mother, the realistic alternatives for her child come down to an uncertain future in a foster care system or abortion. The bottom line on any adoption, public or private, is generally drawn by the few individuals directly involved.