The “Regulation respecting Training prior to Adopting a Child Domiciled Outside Québec” has been drafted to improve the adoption process for children living outside Québec. The draft regulation establishes new requirements for prospective adoptive parents.

Some of the new requirements include:

• • Mandatory Training: Individuals seeking to adopt a child from outside Québec must complete a training program offered by the Minister Responsible for Social Services. This training is designed to prepare adoptive parents for the unique challenges of international adoption.
  • Attestation of Completion: Once the training is completed, the Minister or a designated representative will issue an attestation to the adopter. This certificate confirms that the training has been completed and is valid for three years.
  • Conditions for Adoption: The attestation of completion must be presented to the Minister who in return will provide a confirmation for the adopter to proceed with a psychosocial assessment, a required step in the adoption process. However, if an adopter has previously adopted a child from outside Québec within five years they are exempt from this requirement.
  • Contract Requirements: The attestation of completion must obtained before entering into any contract with an accredited intercountry adoption body. However, this requirement is waived if the adopter is adopting another child within five years of their previous adoption.

This new regulation aims to ensure that adoptive parents are well-prepared and informed before bringing a child from another country into their home and focuses on enhancing the adoption process and safeguarding the welfare of adopted children.

Quebec (chapter P-34.1, s. 132, par. h), February 14, 2023.