It's not inadequate, it just doesn't happen. I know people who were being deprived of food, beaten, subjected to chronic verbal abuse, kicked out of their house, from the age of 12-13 who had absolutely no recourse, no ability to make money, and no real way to do anything besides depend on the kindness of strangers -- who were told by the foster system that unless they felt like they were in imminent danger then they should stay far away. Do you really think that these kids are better off doing what they have to do (which many times is working under the table, or other illegal activity) to ensure their basic needs are met?