Adoption Rights Factsheet

Adoption Leave

All employees automatically qualify for statutory adoption leave regardless of length of service provided the adoption is recognised by the statutory scheme and they have notified the adoption agency of their agreement to the child being placed with them (and have complied with notification and evidential requirements).

The following individuals are recognised as adopters under the statutory scheme:

• Those matched with the child (i.e. under 18 years) for adoption by an adoption agency
• Foster parents who are approved for adoption (this involves the placement of a child with local authority foster parents who have been approved as suitable to adopt)
• Parents of a child born to a surrogate mother who have applied for a parental order (at least one of the parents must have supplied the genetic material for the child)