Special needs in the adoption context is defined as the level of resources or support services required by the adopted child and/or their adoptive family to foster healthy development and wellbeing, and to support positive family functioning and prevent adoption disruption. The ‘level of need’ can be conceptualised on a continuum from those adoptees and their families who do not require any additional resources or supports beyond what would be expected for a family with an average, non-adopted child of similar age in the general population, to those who require regular and more intensive additional resources and supports.

CODE 1   No additional care needs

Children who regularly require a level of personal, emotional and physical care that is consistent with that which would be expected for their age group. On a day-to-day basis, the resources and supports for the child and their family are essentially the same as would be expected for a family with an average, non-adopted child of similar age in the general population.

CODE 2   Minor additional care needs

Children who generally require a level of personal, emotional and physical care that is consistent with that which would be expected for their age group. On most occasions, the resources and supports for the child and their family are comparable to those expected for a family with an average, non-adopted child of similar age in the general population, but the child’s adoption history results in short-term or irregular periods where additional resources and supports are required for the child and/or their family.

CODE 3   Moderate to substantial additional care needs

Children who regularly require a level of personal, emotional and/or physical care that is beyond that which would be expected for their age group. On a regular and frequent basis, the resources and supports for the child and their family are greater than those expected for a family with an average, non-adopted child of similar age in the general population. Areas of additional need are often a result of the early life trauma and/or attachment difficulties experienced by the child. Areas of additional need may include, but are not limited to:

• Children (beyond usual age expectations) requiring assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, feeding, mobility.
• Regular physical therapy.
• Regular medication for a diagnosed condition that requires skill and training to administer, or is needed to allow significantly improved day-to-day functioning.
• Medical need for special dietary restrictions.
• Frequent hospital or specialist appointments, or
• Ongoing high support special education programs.