Quebec temporarily stops opening new international adoption files with approved organizations

Quebec is suspending, until further notice, new international adoptions from approved organizations while it establishes a system which will, in particular, ensure the prevention of child trafficking.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) announced this moratorium on Wednesday preventing the opening of new files with approved organizations.

However, files already in progress are not affected.

New adoption plans, without an approved organization, of a child outside Quebec by a person who lives in Quebec may be accepted if they comply with Quebec regulations.

The best interests of the child

In a press release, the MSSS wrote that “child protection is at the heart of this decision taken in application of the precautionary principle and in compliance with the international commitments of the Government of Quebec.”

The MSSS considers “that the current system of international adoption does not provide all the guarantees provided for in the Hague Convention so that international adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and respect for their rights fundamentals, as well as to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children.

For Quebec to remain exemplary in its way of doing things, an in-depth review of the process is necessary, according to the MSSS, in an area where the risk of illicit practices cannot be ruled out. Structural and legal changes will have to be put in place.

Abandonments

During this moratorium, Quebec intends to ensure that its framework will be robust to prevent illicit practices and child trafficking.

He also wants stronger supervision to prevent adoption failures, synonymous with further abandonment for the child and placement under the Youth Protection Act.

Still according to the MSSS, countries such as France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam have carried out partial, complete, temporary or definitive suspensions of international adoptions to carry out investigations or reform their administrative and regulatory framework.