In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,
(1) “adult” means an individual who has reached the age of majority;
(2) “agency” means any person certified, licensed, or otherwise specially empowered by law or regulation to place minors for adoption;
(3) “child” means a son or daughter, whether by birth or by adoption;
(4) “commissioner” means the commissioner of health and social services;
(5) “court” means the superior court of this state, and, when the context requires, the court of another state empowered to grant petitions for adoption or guardianship or to terminate parental rights;
(6) “department” means the Department of Health and Social Services;
(7) “hard-to-place child” means a minor who is not likely to be adopted or to obtain a guardian by reason of physical or mental disability, emotional disturbance, recognized high risk of physical or mental disease, age, membership in a sibling group, racial or ethnic factors, or any combination of these conditions;
(8) “minor” means a person who has not reached the age of majority;
(9) “sexual abuse of a minor” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.434, 11.41.436, 11.41.438, or 11.41.440;
(10) “sexual assault” means a sexual offense defined in AS 11.41.410 - 11.41.427;
(11) “stepparent” means the spouse of a natural parent of the child residing in the same household.