Home > Before the Adoption > Time periods for Adoption

The SAI has become the SASIE

Since October 25, 2022, the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale (SAI) has changed its name for the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l’enfant (SASIE). For more information, see the News section of our website.

Training prior to adopting a child domiciled outside Québec will become mandatory

Since August 10, 2023, the International Adoption: First Steps and Thoughts training program will be mandatory for all persons domiciled in Québec considering international adoption. For more information, see the News section of our website.

Time Periods for Adoption

In Québec, adopters cannot have two adoption plans under way at the same time, whether in the same country or not. The same is true for an international adoption and an adoption in Québec.

In the interest of the children and their families, there must be a minimum of 12 months between two adoptions. The same period also applies following the birth of a biological child.

Some countries of origin also require the adopter to have only one adoption plan in progress at a time, whether international or domestic.

Of the utmost importance for all involved, that period:

  • fosters the child's integration;
  • enables the adopters to be physically and emotionally available for the child, as needed;
  • allows the adopters to adapt to their new role;
  • sets guidelines for adopters' plans.

A necessary period for adaptation and attachment 

Clinical experience and information gathered by adoption practitioners demonstrate that integration of a second child into a new family within a short period prevents one of the children from adapting to the new environment and developing the necessary attachment relationship(s).

Adoption is an opportunity for the child to become anchored in a new life by developing an attachment relationship with the adopters. For that to happen, it is essential for the child to integrate into the new family and create new points of reference. 

To succeed, the child needs a sufficient period of time to feel secure, and to adapt to the new environment and understand how it works, particularly as regards:

  • habits;
  • rules;
  • culture;
  • food.

Parents also need that period to develop a meaningful relationship with the child.

A newly arrived child's physical and psychological needs are many. The child and the parents' challenge of adapting requires availability, attention and sensitivity, which would be weakened if more than one adoption plan was pursued simultaneously.