Sometimes it is not possible for parents to have children naturally. Sometimes parents simply decide they would like to adopt a child. Most people have no idea where to start to begin the process of adoption.
Child Welfare Agencies and Adoption
In every state there is a an agency that is charged with the protection of child welfare. Many times, as these agencies exercise their duties, they will seek to have a the rights of a parent terminated. In cases such as this the state will then proceed to locate individuals who may adopt these children. When children come into state custody following their biological parent's parental rights being terminated, the children are screened for adoption.
This screening not only includes the compilation of a comprehensive background for the child, but it also includes matching the child against potential adoptive homes from individuals who have already been screened and approved as an adoptive family.