Adoptive leave

The purpose of the Adoptive Leave Acts, 1995-2005 is to provide protective leave from employment for the adopting couple or a parent who is adopting alone. While on leave, these employees are protected from unfair dismissal.

KEY POINTS

• Adoptive leave is an entitlement available to all qualified adopters who are adopting a child.  
• An adopting employee is also entitled to paid time off to attend preparation classes and pre-adoption meetings with social workers.

• Employers are under no obligation to pay employees on adoptive leave, though a state benefit paid by the Department of Social Welfare may be available to some employees.