DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. - The case of a Quebec woman charged with killing her three young children has been put off until January.

A judge made the decision today after being told that more time is needed to determine whether Sonia Blanchette is fit to stand trial.

The 33-year-old woman was not in court this morning in Drummondville, midway between Montreal and Quebec City.

The Crown has filed three counts of first-degree murder against Blanchette in the deaths of two-year-old Anais, four-year-old Loic and five-year-old Lorelie.

Blanchette, through a court-appointed attorney, requested a psychiatric evaluation during her initial court appearance.

She has not entered a plea and is expected to return to court on Jan. 4.

The children's bodies were found at Blanchette's residence on Dec. 2. Police have not said how they died.