Home > After the Adoption > Post-adoption services

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

As of 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.

Post-adoption services

Welcoming an adopted child into the home changes family life. The child and the parent will need to adapt to each other. When a child arrives in Québec, post-adoption services are offered to assist the family in beginning a life together. Those services are offered by the Integrated Health and Social Services Centres (CISSS) and Integrated University Health and Social Services Centres (CIUSSS).

Description of services

The adopter receives a visit from a caseworker from the CISSS or CIUSSS within 14 days of the child’s arrival in Québec.

Among others, that visit aims to:

  • establish a first contact with the adoptive family;
  • provide advice to facilitate the child's integration into the new social and family environments;
  • provide advice on the appropriate care to give the child.

The visit also makes it possible to support the parents and to help them understand the child's needs. Accordingly, the caseworker discusses the adopters' concerns with them and reassures them in their parental roles.

During the meeting, the worker emphasizes the importance of scheduling a doctor's appointment for the child.

Visiting the doctor

A doctor's appointment is advised to:

  • verify or complete the health assessment done abroad;
  • assess the child's physical and psychological health, if applicable;
  • bring the child's immunization schedule up to date;
  • establish a regular health follow-up schedule.

If the child requires specialized services, such as speech therapy, the CISSS or CIUSSS will refer the family to the necessary specialized services, whether medical or social.

How to obtain services

In order to receive post-adoption services, the adopter or the certified body must simply confirm the following dates with the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale (SAI):

  • the date the child arrived in Canada;
  • the date the child was entrusted to the adopter.

Upon confirmation of the child's arrival, the SAI informs the appropriate CISSS or CIUSSS of the child's arrival in its region.

The CISSS or CIUSSS then contacts the adopter to set up a time for a visit from a caseworker.