Adoption

The steps involved in adopting a child differ according to whether you are adopting in or outside Québec. Special rules apply depending on the type of adoption involved. The contact information for the agencies concerned are provided so that you can get more information.

Generally speaking, there are four types of adoption available in Québec:

  • Regular adoption: adoption of a child whose biological parents voluntarily gave their consent to the director of youth protection to put their child up for adoption
  • Adoption through the Banque mixte (foster-to-adopt) program: adoption of a child who is at risk of being abandoned because the biological parents are grappling with personal problems that prevent them from assuming responsibility for the child’s care, maintenance and education. The child is first placed in a foster home with a view to adoption, whence the name Banque mixte (foster-to-adopt)
  • Adoption by special consent: adoption whereby a parent or the parents of an underage child provide specific consent as to the person or couple entitled to adopt their child. Under article 555 of the Civil Code of Québec, this must be a member or members of the family, such as the parent’s spouse, or the child’s grandparent, uncle, aunt, brother or sister
  • International adoption: adoption of a child domiciled outside Québec

For more information on regular adoption and adoption under the Banque mixte program, contact Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) or Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS) in your area.

You can find the addresses and telephone numbers of your local CISSS and CIUSSS at: www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-system-and-services/service-organization/cisss-and-ciusss/.

For more information on adoption by a family member or spouse, contact the Ministère de la Justice.

Online
www.justice.gouv.qc.ca

By telephone
Québec area: 418-643-5140
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-866-536-5140

For information on the international adoption procedure, contact the Secrétariat à l’adoption internationale.

Online
www.adoption.gouv.qc.ca

By email
[email protected]

By telephone
Montréal: 514-873-5226
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-561-0246

Tax credit for adoption expenses

Revenu Québec

If you incurred expenses to adopt a child, you may be able to claim the refundable tax credit for adoption expenses. Certain conditions apply. If you adopt more than one child, you may claim the tax credit for each child.

The tax credit is equal to 50% of eligible adoption expenses. The maximum credit is $10,000 per child.

To claim the tax credit, you must enclose the duly completed Tax Credit for Adoption Expenses form (TP-1029.8.63-V) with your Québec income tax return. Keep your supporting documents so that you can provide them if needed.

For more information, contact Revenu Québec.

Online
www.revenuquebec.ca

By telephone
Québec area: 418-659-6299
Montréal area: 514-864-6299
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-267-6299

TTY (Teletypewriter)
Montréal area: 514-873-4455
Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-3795