SCHEDULE 18- ADOPTION POLICY
1.
ABOUT THIS POLICY
1.1
This policy sets out the arrangements for adoption leave and pay for employees who are
(a) Adopting a child through a UK or overseas adoption agency.
(b) Fostering a child with a view to possible adoption.
(c)
Having a child through a surrogate mother.
1.2
Adoption leave and pay may also be available for adoptions from overseas, which are not dealt with in this policy. Please contact the Business Support Officer for information on eligibility and process.
1.3
Arrangements for time off to attend adoption appointments are set out in our Time off for Adoption Appointments Policy.
1.4
In some cases you and your spouse or partner may be eligible to opt into the shared parental leave (SPL) scheme which gives you more flexibility to share the leave and pay available in the first year after the child is placed with you. However, one of you must take at least two weeks' adoption leave first. Details of SPL are set out in our Shared Parental Leave (Adoption) Policy. This policy only applies to employees. It does not apply to agency workers or self- employed contractors. It does not form part of any employee's contract of employment and we may amend it at any time.
1.5
2.
PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY
2.1
Our board of directors (the board) has overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy and for ensuring compliance with the relevant statutory framework. The board has delegated day-to-day responsibility for operating the policy and ensuring its maintenance and review to the General Manager. Managers have a specific responsibility to ensure the fair application of this policy and all members of staff are responsible for supporting colleagues and ensuring its success.
2.2
3.
ENTITLEMENT TO ADOPTION LEAVE
3.1
In adoption cases or fostering for adoption cases, you are entitled to adoption leave if you meet all the following conditions:
(a) You are adopting a child through a UK adoption agency, or you are a local authority foster parent who has been approved as a prospective adopter.
(b) The adoption agency or local authority has given you written notice that it has matched you with a child for adoption, or that it will be placing a child with you under a fostering for adoption arrangement, and tells you the date the child is expected to be placed into your care ( Expected Placement Date ).
(c) You have notified the agency that you agree to the child being placed with you on the Expected Placement Date.
3.2
In a surrogacy case, you are entitled to adoption leave if all the following conditions are met:
(a) A surrogate mother gives birth to a child who is biologically your child, the child of your spouse or partner, or the child of both of you.
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