What does “special needs adoption” refer to?

Special needs adoption pertains to the adoption of children who require additional resources and support due to various factors, such as physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. These children may also come from situations where they have experienced trauma or instability in their earlier lives. The term recognizes that these children might face unique challenges, necessitating more comprehensive care, support services, and resources to integrate them into a stable and loving home environment. This understanding is crucial for prospective adoptive parents, as they should be prepared to meet the specific needs of the child they are adopting.

The other options represent different scenarios that do not accurately define special needs adoption. For example, adoption of children from wealthy families does not inherently involve additional support needs, while the age of the child does not determine whether they fall under the special needs category. Likewise, legal complications can occur in any adoption case and are not specific to children with special needs. Thus, the essence of special needs adoption lies in the additional support required for the children being adopted.