Certified Case Manager Practice Test

For which of the following can a child be considered to have special needs for adoption purposes?

1. Only physical disabilities

2. Age below 5 years

3. Developmental disabilities and emotional handicaps

4. A child having a stable home environment

The correct answer is: Developmental disabilities and emotional handicaps

A child can be considered to have special needs for adoption purposes when there are developmental disabilities and emotional handicaps. This classification acknowledges that some children face additional challenges that require specialized care and support, which can affect their adoptability and the resources needed from potential adoptive families. Developmental disabilities may include conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities, all of which can impact the child’s functioning and require tailored approaches to education and daily living. Emotional handicaps might encompass behavioral issues resulting from trauma or environmental factors, necessitating an understanding and potentially extensive intervention from caregivers. In this context, recognizing such needs is crucial as it helps to match children with suitable adoptive parents who have the ability and resources to provide the necessary support. Adopting a child with special needs might offer opportunities for families with the right skills and resources to make a positive impact in that child’s life, ensuring their needs are met effectively. Other options do not encompass the full spectrum of what constitutes special needs in adoption. For example, simply having a physical disability does not alone qualify as special needs because it does not always imply that additional support is required for well-being, just as age below 5 years does not inherently indicate any special requirements.