Programs that assess the needs and capabilities of children who have been relinquished for adoption, compile the children's social and medical histories, make arrangements for care and supervision of the children prior to placement, evaluate prospective adoptive applicants including a review of adoptive home studies, if available, and select and approve prospective adoptive homes.

Programs that provide temporary family living arrangements in agency-supervised private family homes for children who have been relinquished for adoption but have not yet been permanently placed. Some programs may also provide care for infants while birth parents decide whether to parent or place their child for adoption.

Programs that link individuals who are in need of alternative living arrangements with appropriate private family homes that are licensed to provide foster care. Licensing requirements vary from state to state and, in some situations, licensing is not required at all. Programs that provide placement services for children and adults with disabilities are generally also responsible for recruiting, training, certifying and monitoring placements in family homes and for providing support for the family and the individual(s) with disabilities who live with them.

Individuals whose ethnic background and ancestry are that of the tribal, aboriginal peoples who originated in what is now the United States. Included are Native Americans who are living on or off reservations in rural and urban areas.

Individuals who are licensed to provide a home for orphaned, abused, neglected or delinquent children or children with disabilities, usually with the approval of the government or a social service agency.

Children and youth who have alternative living arrangements in agency-supervised private family homes due to their own social, physical or emotional problems or those of another family member.

Individuals and families of Native American descent who have needs and interests in common based on living in areas recognized by the federal or a state government as being set aside for the use of Native Americans and governed by Native Americans.