Are you thinking of starting an international adoption plan? The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux has created this online awareness, information and reflection program for you.

You will become familiar with international adoption, gain a better understanding of it and grasp its complexity. This is an opportunity to reflect on the positive aspects, challenges and limitations of such a life plan in order to make an informed decision.

This program is the first step in the international adoption process. It should be completed before registering with an accredited body and opening a file with the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l'enfant (SASIE).

Registration ongoing

Duration ± 18 hours, at your own pace

Cost free

Modality Self-directed training

Evaluation none

Participation certificate at the end of the program

Languages French, English

Who is it for?

  • Anyone residing in Quebec who wants to start an international adoption plan, with or without an accredited body (e.g., intra-family adoption).
  • The friends and family members of a person starting an international adoption plan.
  • Anyone wishing to learn about international adoption.

Register

How?

Through readings, audio and video clips, interactive questions and reflection exercises:

  • Learn about the issues related to international adoption;
  • Think about the challenges of adoptive parenting;
  • Learn more about the experiences of adoptees and adoptive parents;
  • Become aware of the complexity of the process;
  • Analyze your strengths, challenges and resources;
  • Make an informed decision.

Program overview

Benefits of this online program

  • No schedule to follow

    • Fully online
    • At your own pace
    • Wherever you want
    • At your convenience

  • A wealth of content

    • Abundant source of information
    • Many opportunities for reflection
    • Based on best practices
    • Various awareness activities

Content

This program addresses nine major topics:

  1. The motivation behind the desire to adopt a child;
  2. The experiences of children in the context of adoption and the myths and beliefs about adoptive parenting;
  3. The child’s socio-emotional development, pre-adoption risk factors and protective factors;
  4. The various aspects of the overall health of adopted children;
  5. The situation of children in the world and the legal context of international adoption;
  6. The child’s pre-adoption background and search for identity as an adoptee;
  7. Adoptive parents’ experience of international adoption;
  8. The process for international adoption plans;
  9. Deciding whether to start an international adoption plan.

Testimonials

This program is well designed, easy to follow, contains relevant information and really helps prospective adoptive parents think through their international adoption plan.

Interactive, dynamic, visually modern and very interesting. It allows participants to stay focused and take an introspective approach.

This reflection process requires time, authenticity, introspection and openness. It allows you to experience the impact of the reality of international adoption while connecting with yourself.

FAQ

What are the objectives of this program?

We want to help you to:

  • Identify your expectations, abilities, limitations and challenges with regard to an international adoption plan;
  • Be aware of the needs and particularities of adopted children;
  • Recognize the various attitudes and skills required in adoptive parenting;
  • Better understand the rights of children around the world as well as those of children available for adoption;
  • Familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to international adoption, the steps of the process, the role of the different players involved and other essential information;
  • Consider the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of international adoption in relation to your personal plan;
  • Make an informed decision as to whether to start an international adoption plan;
  • If applicable, develop your personal adoption plan within its social and international framework.

Specific objectives are defined for each topic.

When is the best time to complete this program?

If you are considering international adoption, regardless of whether you have made your decision or simply want to learn more, then it is time for you to complete this program.

This program will help you prepare even before you develop your plan and register with an accredited body or open a file with the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l'enfant.

In the case of a couple’s plan, should each individual complete this program?

Yes.

The decision to start an international adoption plan is based on the need to consider a great deal of information, but also on the possibility of imagining oneself in such a life plan. It is first and foremost a personal activity, at the end of which each person must position themselves as an individual first, then as a partner in the couple.

Therefore, each member of the couple must enroll in the program. This way, they can take the time they need to familiarize themselves with the content of each topic, reflect on their own, complete the activities individually, at their own pace, and, ultimately, earn their certificate. It is important that each person be able to delve deeper into the content presented, allow themselves to experience the emotions it generates and learn what it means to them.

Is this program part of a screening process for prospective international adoptive parents?

No. This program is not intended to evaluate you or to select or eliminate applicants.

  • There is no connection between this program and the home study that will follow if you decide to go ahead with your plan, other than the fact that you will certainly be better prepared for that step.
  • Your answers to the activities of this program will not be shared with SASIE or the accredited body with which you may start your plan, nor will they be added to your international adoption file. There are no right or wrong answers to the personal questions. They are asked in order to fuel your thought process.

How much time do I have to complete this program?

You have one year from the date of registration to complete this program. This time frame has been set to ensure that you get the full benefits of the program. By completing the entire program in a few months, it will be easier for you to consider all the elements involved in your decision-making.

After one year, your access to the program will be deactivated. You can reactivate it as needed and continue where you left off. However, it may be more difficult for you to get the full picture needed to make an informed decision.

Can the CIUSSS/CISSS training workshops replace this online program?

No. The goal of pre- and post-adoption training workshops offered by institutions in the health and social services network or by professionals in private practice is to provide continuity and complementarity of services for prospective adoptive parents.

This program is the first step in the international adoption process and should be completed before registering with an accredited body or opening a file with the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l'enfant.