Yet, society paints a disappointing picture of adoption. In the movies, the birth mother almost always returns for her child, and ends up regaining custody. Magazines print articles telling stories of heartbreak and children being returned to their biological families. The risks of adoption have been exaggerated since the process began, back in the early 1900's. The option was rarely discussed and if it was, a strong warning was given.
Today there are more reasons to consider adoption than ever before.
Nearly one-quarter of those children will still be in foster care six years from now. Adoption can become a private solution to a public problem. On a more personal level, adopting can heal an empty place in a person's life. Children can bring hope, love, and fulfillment to a family. These children are older, black, minorities, or have a medical, physical, or emotional handicap.