Workplace benefits and culture can play an important role in the adoption process. Learn how your workplace can be supportive of the adoptive journey.
Adoption-friendly workplaces recognize and support the unique needs of adoptive families, whether through paid time off, financial assistance or flexibility during an often unpredictable process. In this guide, The Cradle offers guidance and tools to hopeful adoptive families and employers to learn about the kinds of benefits that may be available.
One of the best resources for building or improving adoption benefits in your workplace is the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Adoption-Friendly Workplace Toolkit. Whether you are an employee looking to advocate adoption-friendly practices or an employer looking to provide meaningful benefits, their toolkit has resources for you.
Time Off After Adoption
Bonding and attachment are essential for every new parent and child. But in adoption, the child’s separation from birth parents, and for older children, additional attachment disruptions, make establishing that early connection more complicated. Adoptive parents have also not had the time to prepare themselves for the arrival of a newborn that pregnancy provides.
Building trust and connection under these unique circumstances takes time and energy. Employer benefits and support play a vital role in making it possible for adoptive parents to be physically and emotionally present following the arrival of their adopted child.
Many workplaces offer some form of leave for adoptive parents, though policies vary. In some cases, adoptive leave mirrors what’s offered to birthing parents. In others, it may be more limited or not offered at all. Since every workplace is different, it’s important to ask your employer how parental leave applies to adoption and to start a conversation about why that time with your child is so valuable. If you’re preparing to have this conversation or want to understand more about parental leave for adoptive and non-birthing parents, visit this helpful guide from What to Expect.
Adoption timelines can be unpredictable, and placements often happen with little notice. It’s helpful to talk with your employer early about the need for flexibility when the time comes. Preparing your workplace to embrace these unknowns can ease your transition away from work and help your team adjust when your leave begins.
Financial Assistance
Many workplaces also offer financial assistance to help with adoption-related expenses. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation’s 2025 survey, the average reimbursement provided by employers is $15,709. Some companies allow reimbursements throughout the adoption process, while others only provide them once the adoption is finalized. Be sure to ask your employer if they offer adoption reimbursements and how the process works.
It’s also important to understand how these reimbursements may impact your taxes and interact with the federal adoption tax credit. Connecting with your HR department or a tax advisor can help you make the most of both benefits.
Advocating for Benefits
If your employer doesn’t currently offer adoption benefits, you can take the lead in starting the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask about what’s available and advocate for more inclusive support. The Dave Thomas Foundation ‘s Adoption-Friendly Workplace Toolkit is a great starting point, offering sample policies, best practices and real-life success stories.
To help guide the conversation with your employer, consider starting with the following questions:
- What paid leave is offered to adoptive parents? And how does leave interact with FMLA, short-term disability, vacation or sick time?
- What’s the adoption reimbursement cap? What expenses qualify and how is the timing structured?
- What kind of documentation do you need from me or my placing agency?
- If placement happens suddenly, how can we work together to ensure a smooth transition for both me and the team?
Support
The Cradle is here to support clients as they navigate workplace benefits. Our counselors can provide letters, help complete necessary documentation and coordinate timing with billing to ensure adoptive parents can fully take advantage of the benefits their workplace offers.
If you need guidance as you navigate the adoption process with your workplace, reach out to your Cradle counselor, who is available to support you. If you are interested in learning more about adopting a child, visit our Adoption Services page.
