Home > Before the Adoption > Health of the Child

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.

Health of the Child

The physical and psychological health of the child is a major concern for adopters. No certified body, country of origin or government authority can guarantee that a child is in perfect physical or psychological health.

However, certified bodies and the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale can provide adopters with some information on the health of children in various countries, in particular the following:

  • the health conditions under which the children live;
  • the most prevalent health problems;
  • the illnesses and infections that the children may have;
  • the medical examinations and blood tests that are usually done before a child is proposed for international adoption.

Information on a child's health received at the time of an adoption proposal

When a child is proposed for adoption, the certified body tries to provide the maximum of information on the health of the child in order to facilitate the adopter's decision. That information, when available, includes:

  • the child's medical antecedents, as well as those of the biological parents;
  • the circumstances of the child's abandonment;
  • the child's personality and behaviour;
  • the environments where the child lived.

The type, quality and reliability of the information in the medical file may vary from one country to another. The file may contain little information or, in contrast, provide many details.

Consult the foreign adoption process to find out more on the adoption proposal step.

Requesting a medical opinion in Québec

Adopters may consult a physician in Québec for an opinion on the proposed child's health. The physician will then base his or her opinion on the medical report from the country of origin, a video or photos of the child, if available, and any other relevant information or documents sent by the certified body.

To find out more