Until then, the adoption system reflected a white, corporate-style management and there were few black staff members, he said.

While the adoption system has to be improved, it is only the minority of children in care who are waiting for a new adoptive family.

It is a vicious circle: prospective parents often enter the adoption system looking for the perfect child.

They are unable to have children and got involved with the adoption system three years ago.

"There are so many barriers in the adoption system," she said.

Two elements distinguish Ethiopia's adoption system, according to dozens of experts.

The government has pledged to speed up the adoption system and says it wants more children adopted.

Mr. Bush pointed to his own state as a leader in improving foster care and the adoption system.

It is therefore necessary to make the adoption system more effective, so that the youngest abandoned children can find a replacement family.

You may need to adopt using that country's domestic adoption system, depending on local requirements.