Preparing for international adoption

Adopting a child is a life plan that involves significant adjustments within the family and with loved ones.

Indeed, a child who is adopted has their story of life and abandonment. In addition to the needs they may have, the child has to deal with major adjustment challenges, both physically and emotionally, in order to integrate into their new environment. People who are interested in international adoption must be prepared to ensure successful life plans for these children.

The International Adoption: First Steps and Thoughts training program is free and takes place entirely online. It has been designed for people who are interested in undertaking an international adoption in order to inform them, raise their awareness of the realities of international adoption and support them in deciding whether or not to move forward with this life plan. Anyone who would like to learn about international adoption, or even the family and friends of the prospective adopter, can take the course. However, it is mandatory for anyone domiciled in Québec who wishes to undertake an international adoption. To obtain their certificate of participation, the prospective adopter must watch the nine episodes of a web series consisting of reading material, activities, questionnaires and audio and video clips.

The topics covered are as follows:

• the motivation behind the desire to adopt a child;
• children’s experience in the context of adoption as well as myths and beliefs about adoptive parenting;
• the child’s socio‑affective development, pre‑adoption risk factors and protective factors;
• aspects of the adopted child’s overall health;
• the situation of children in the world and the legal context of international adoption;
• the child’s pre‑adoption background and their search for identity as an adopted person;
• adoptive parents’ experience of international adoption;
• the international adoption process;
• the decision whether or not to undertake an international adoption.

Go to the training program website for more information and to register.

These activities are offered by professionals such as social workers, psychoeducators from integrated university health and social services centres (CIUSSSs) or integrated health and social services centres (CISSSs) and non‑profit community organizations. The topics covered include:

• the differences between an adopted child and a biological child;
• the adopted child’s health and development;
• trauma;
• bereavement;
• the feeling of abandonment;
• the adoptive triangle (biological parents - adoptive parents - adopted child);
• attachment;
• discipline;
• culture;
• adoption success factors.

Certified bodies organize various activities ranging from individual interviews to structured international adoption preparation sessions.

These meetings focus on the issues, challenges and particular aspects of international adoption in the country where the body works. The workshops sometimes include testimonials from adoptive parents.

Also, some certified bodies organize talks and seminars presented by professionals with experience in the field of international adoption (e.g., social workers, psychologists, nurses and specialized nurses).

Consult the list of certified bodies to contact them.