Legal Definitions - special-needs child

Definition: A child with medical problems or physical or emotional handicaps, or who is likely to be unadoptable due to age or ethnic background.

Examples:

• A child with Down syndrome
• A child with cerebral palsy
• A child with autism
• An older child in foster care who has been waiting for adoption for a long time

These examples illustrate how a special-needs child may have medical or developmental challenges that require extra care and attention. They may also face additional barriers to adoption due to their age or background, making it more difficult to find a permanent home.