Children with special needs can range in age from infants to 18 years old. These children include those who:

• Have physical challenges or health problems
• Are older
• Are members of ethnic or racial minorities
• Have a history of abuse or neglect
• Have emotional problems
• Have siblings and need to be adopted as a group
• Have experienced multiple placements
• Have documented conditions that may lead to future problems
• Were exposed to drugs or alcohol before birth

FACTS*

• In the United States, more than 110,000 children with special needs are waiting to be adopted into permanent homes.
• Approximately 80 to 90 percent of special needs adoptions are successful.
• The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 has focused more attention on finding homes for children with special needs and making sure they receive the post-adoption services they need.

* Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families