This paper explores the challenges of the adoption process, with an emphasis on the specific challenges associated with the adoption of children with developmental difficulties. The introduction highlights the importance of protecting children as a vulnerable social group and underscores the imperative of applying the principle of the best interests of the child in all procedures concerning children, including the implementation of the adoption process. Following a review of the historical development of the adoption institution in Croatia and an analysis of the current legislative framework, the paper focuses on identifying problems through the application of relevant legislation in judicial practice, as well as on the experiences of social workers and the challenges they most frequently encounter in the adoption process. The main part of the research investigates the specific obstacles faced by stakeholders in the process of adopting children with developmental difficulties, taking into account various types of developmental challenges. Through a critical review of existing adoption practices, the paper seeks to highlight certain shortcomings and point to the need for improvements in the implementation of this process. Through the analysis of relevant legal documents, the paper emphasizes the obligation to make decisions in the best interests of the child and encourages further legal regulation that will additionally ensure the protection of children in the adoption process. The paper aims to highlight the need for the development of more advanced adoption practices for children with developmental difficulties and to offer certain conclusions and recommendations towards improving the protection of the rights of this vulnerable group in the adoption process.