Psychosocial assessment for people wishing to undertake an international adoption project

Anyone who wishes to adopt a child must undergo a psychosocial assessment in Quebec. This is essential in order to find the best possible match and ensure the child’s well‑being.

The assessment focuses on the person’s ability to take care of the child, integrate them into their new environment, meet their needs and ensure they develop their full potential.

The psychosocial assessment is carried out by a member of one of the following orders:

• Ordre des psychologues du Québec;
• Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (in French only).

Depending on the requirements of the law or the foreign authorities, the assessment may be carried out under the supervision of the Director of Youth Protection (DYP). In some cases, depending on the requirements of the chosen country of origin, the person may be required to submit additional medical or psychological assessments.

The evaluator is responsible for carrying out a psychosocial assessment of the person and for raising the person’s awareness of the challenges of international adoption and parenthood through adoption.

The evaluator must make a recommendation on the person’s ability as a parent to meet the needs of a child. They must identify the person’s capabilities and limitations with respect to caring for a child with a certain profile or, as the case may be, to adopt siblings. They must also consider the physical and emotional needs that a child may have, in particular those related to their age and health.

They must obtain and read the person’s medical certificate.

They may also request any assessment or other document deemed relevant, with the agreement of the DYP.

In light of the many cultural variables, an adoption plan may be perceived differently by the prospective adopters, the stakeholders in the country of origin and the psychosocial evaluators.

In this context, a psychosocial assessment report must take into account the intercultural context of the adoption.

Throughout the process, the evaluator must notify the DYP or the SASIE of any changes to the initial adoption plan.

The evaluator must submit their report to the appropriate DYP no later than two months after the first meeting with the person.

In Quebec, the psychosocial assessment for an adoption is valid for a period of two years. After this time, an update is necessary.

The purpose of updating a psychosocial assessment is to take note of any changes in the family unit and to maintain an accurate and current picture of the person.

Other reasons may warrant an update and even a reassessment of the plan, including:

• a death;
• a separation;
• a failed adoption;
• a pregnancy;
• a child placement;
• a move;
• a physical or mental illness;
• a bankruptcy;
• additional information required by the country of origin;
• the rules of validity of the country of origin.

The person must wait 12 months after the arrival of a biological, adopted or foster child before undergoing a psychosocial assessment.