In Québec, anyone who was adopted can find out the identity of their biological parent or parent of origin. Since June 8, 2024, this right has been guaranteed by the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
Are you the child of a deceased adoptee? If you are aged 14 or over, you have access to the same information as your parent would have had while the parent was still alive.
What information?
You have the right to know the identity of:
- Your parents of origin entered in the adoption records, even if they are not registered on your original birth certificate;
- Your brothers and sisters of origin now aged 18 or over;
- Your grandparents of origin.
You can also:
- Obtain information enabling contact with these people, unless they have refused this contact;
- Know your first name and surname at birth;
- Obtain a copy of your original birth certificate or judgments concerning your adoption.
If members of your family of origin have requested that their identity remain confidential, now this confidentiality expires on your 18th birthday. This means that you are allowed to know who they are, but you will not necessarily have access to the information you need to contact them.
Applying
To apply, first complete the Application for Research into Family and Medical Antecedents and Reunions form. Please note that if you are under 14, your adoptive parents’ consent is required.
Was some of the information you requested refused on the grounds of confidentiality between June 16, 2018, and June 7, 2024? Fill in the simplified application form to obtain the information that is now available.
To know where to send your form, determine where your parents were living at the time of your adoption:
- Your biological and adoptive parents lived in Québec: contact the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS or CIUSSS) in your region.
- Your biological or adoptive parents lived outside Québec: contact the Secrétariat aux services internationaux à l'enfant (SASIE) of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS).
Any questions or problems?
Want to find out more about tracing your origins? Visit Quebec.ca and see the MSSS information document that applies to your situation: national adoption or interprovincial/international adoption.
Are you dissatisfied with the quality of services provided by a CISSS/CIUSSS? Contact the Service Quality and Complaints Commissioner for the region concerned.
Are you unhappy with the Commissioner's or SASIE's response? Did it take the Commissioner more than 45 days to reply? Turn to the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
