Statistics on orphans: The number of children worldwide without families to love and care for them is overwhelming. There are 5.5 million orphans in Africa, 3.5 million orphans in Asia, 1.5 million orphans in Eastern Europe, 400,000 orphans in Latin America, and 135,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. foster care system (From FamilyLife - Hope for orphans.).  Around the world are more than 143 million orphans. They are living on the streets, in train and bus stations, and often taking care of younger brothers and sisters. Here in the United States, approximately 500,000 are living in the foster care system. The majority of these children are hoping to be reunited with their parents or another family member, but more than 114,000 of these waiting children are hoping to be adopted. In addition, 20,000 teens age out of the foster care system each year. They are forced to try and make it on their own with no support or guidance.

(From Focus on the families - Orphan Care Initiative - Gain awareness)