1. Family law. The placement of a child for adoption by a parent, lawyer, doctor, or private agency, rather than by a government agency. • At least eight states have prohibited private-placement adoptions. — Also termed direct placement. [Cases: Adoption 6–7.
8. C.J.S. Adoption of Persons §§ 25–40, 51–72.]
2. Securities. See private offering under OFFERING.