What qualifies a child as a special-needs child in terms of adoption?

A child qualifies as a special-needs child in terms of adoption primarily based on specific criteria that highlight their unique circumstances. In this case, when a child is determined by the state to not return home, it indicates that they have faced conditions that make them part of the special-needs category. This assessment generally includes various factors, such as the length of time they have been in foster care, their emotional and behavioral needs, and potential risks associated with returning to their birth families.

This determination is crucial as it often influences the adoption process and the resources available to those adopting such children. Many states provide additional support, such as subsidies or special services for families adopting children classified as having special needs, recognizing the unique challenges these children might face in transition to a new adoptive home.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the broader definition of what qualifies a child as having special needs in the adoption process. Age limits, known disabilities without case context, or only being in foster care do not provide the comprehensive understanding of the circumstances that typically define a child as a special-needs child in adoption.