This study of informal adoption patterns among black families throughout the United States examines the role of the extended family and the functioning of a kinship network which includes foster care of children by relatives other than parents. The study's basic mode of investigation was secondary analysis of existing data: quantitative national data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources, and qualitative data from a review and synthesis of research studies in the area. Census Bureau sources were: (1) annual reports (from Current Population Surveys, 1969-1976) on Household and Family Characteristics and on Marital Status and Living Arrangements; (2) data from the 1970 Census; and (3) a Public Use Sample developed from the 1970 Census to adequately represent families involved in informal adoption. Included is a discussion of past and current significance of child welfare policies. Chapters describing various social and economic characteristics of the children and families examine factors including: age, family relationships, family size and structure, presence of natural children, births out-of-wedlock and other reasons for adoption, comparison of one- and two-parent families, rural-urban comparisons and various economic factors. Recommendations for improving the quality of services relating to black and other low-income children are made. (BF)