Employer Adoption Benefits

employer adoption benefits Many employers offer some form of adoption benefits. These benefits generally fall into 3 categories:

Information Resources may include referrals to licensed adoption agencies, support groups, and related organizations as well as access to an adoption specialist to answer questions about the process or help with special situations like adopting a child with special needs.

Financial Assistance may include a cash payment from the company for adoption-related expenses, often ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. Some companies pay for certain fees or partially reimburse employees for expenses such as agency fees, court costs, legal fees, medical, transportation, foreign adoption fees, and temporary foster care among others. In most cases, benefits are paid after the adoption is finalized, however some employers may pay benefits when the child is placed or as expenses are incurred. Be sure to check with your employer as each adoption benefits policy is different.

Parental Leave is available for all adoptive parents. Federal law requires employers with 50 or more employees to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. Some employers are very supportive and provide extended and/or paid leave.

Be sure to ask your human resource or personnel department to find out if your company offers adoption benefits.

Additional Resources

2014 Adoption Benefits Guide for Federal Employees – These benefits help Federal employees manage their work and family lives throughout the adoption and foster care process.

Employer-Provided Adoption Benefits – A very helpful fact sheet for families developed by Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption – Outstanding organization with a wealth of resources developed for individuals to advocate for adoption benefits in the workplace, provide companies with the support needed to offer adoption benefits to employees, and recognize the top employers with adoption benefits.

Adoption Friendly Benefits Toolkit – This FREE toolkit makes it easy to establish an adoption benefits policy at your workplace. It explains how to approach your human resources department and implement a financial reimbursement and paid leave policy for employees who adopt. It also contains a CD with sample forms and benefit plans to help you get started.

2015 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces – This list recognizes the top 100 companies with the best adoption benefits available to their employees.

Federal Family Medical Leave Act – Unpaid leave under the Federal Family Medical Leave Act is also an option. This act allows individuals to take up to 12 weeks off, unpaid with benefits without jeopardizing employment. The leave can provide valuable time for newly adoptive families to bond with their new child.

Below is a list of adoption-friendly workplace employers as recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation.