This speech presents an overview of issues and trends in the provision of foster care and adoption services in Canada. The number of children "in care" in Canada (in foster homes, institutions, or adoptive homes) appears to have peaked around 1969 and declined thereafter. Information on contraceptives and the availaibility of abortions are seen as possible factors in this decline. Two social changes affecting adoptions are discussed: the increasing number of divorces, remarriages and subsequent adoptions by stepparents, and the increasing number of unwed mothers keeping their babies. The subsequent problems of these illegitimate children and of single-parent families in general are noted. According to statistics presented, the greatest proportion of children in care are in foster homes. Reasons for the increasing demand for foster homes include decreasing supply of foster parents, decreasing provision of residential services, and changes in the characteristics of foster children. The question of children's rights is discussed and it is suggested that these rights must come before those of natural, foster, and adoptive parents. It is also suggested that much of the work of child welfare services derives from conditions of poverty and that more carefully linked social policies are needed to improve these conditions. Appended are tables of statistics on children receiving various welfare services and on Indian population characteristics. (BD)