Like many people, you may find that adopting through state, county, or private foster/adopt agencies is a much simpler, less expensive way to add to your family. The foster care system is a rapidly evolving institution, with all the challenges inherent in a large bureaucracy. And it's not for the timid or uncertain. As with any adoption, your character and spiritual reserves will be tested beyond anything you may imagine; you'll struggle to work with people at various levels, many of whom may contradict each other. But foster care children desperately need homes, and by adopting a child in this way, you're doing something wonderful and positive that will make a tremendous difference in the life of a child.