Up until the early part of the 1900s, adoption was all about helping adults. It was not strange at this time for an elderly man who had no children to go to court and legally adopt an adult friend or employee. In this way, the adopted adult could inherit his wealth.

During this time society did not always trust the idea of children being adopted. Many people were against it because it was different. So children without parents grew up in orphanages. This was not good because there were not enough adults in these orphanages to take care of them or to give them the love and attention that all kids need.

In 1915 a federal organization started called the Bureau for Exchange of Information Among Child-Helping Organizations was founded. It was hoped that a group like this would help children get the help and protection they needed. This helping agency was renamed in 1921 and is now called the Child Welfare League of American. Today it is known as the nation's largest group serving children and families in need.