Mandate and values
SAI mandate
Under the 1993 Hague Convention, the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale (SAI) performs the duties of Central Authority for international adoption in Québec.
The SAI acts on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services. It must:
- ensure compliance with the principles and provisions of the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, concluded on May 29, 1993;
- coordinate international adoption activities in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights;
- make recommendations to the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning the certification of bodies whose mission is the adoption of children domiciled outside Québec, thereby granting them official authorization to act in international adoptions;
- advise and support the certified bodies, and monitor their activities;
- advise persons who plan to adopt a child domiciled outside Québec;
- intervene in all procedures to adopt a child domiciled outside Québec;
- ensure that the planned adoption is compliant, and authorize it, if applicable;
- receive and process requests for a summary of family and medical antecedents or an international reunion.
Evolution of the mandate
In 1982, the gouvernement du Québec created the Secrétariat à l’adoption with a two-year mandate.
The Secrétariat à l’adoption was mandated to analyze the adoption situation in Québec and to develop a policy in that area. It was also entrusted with the coordination of government adoption initiatives and the negotiation of agreements with federal, provincial and foreign authorities involved in the adoption process.
In 1984, when the Secrétariat à l’adoption's mandate was ending, it was made permanently responsible for the adoption of children domiciled outside Québec. It then became the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale.
Values of the SAI
Management and personnel at the SAI adhere to the ethical values of the Québec public administration. They comply with the commitments of the Service statement
.
The SAI fulfils its mandate in the best interests of the children concerned by international adoption plans. It advocates:
- respect
- fairness
- integrity
SAI personnel apply the regulations governing international adoption and inform their clientele with impartiality.
