[copybird208]

I'm a mom-2-b, waiting (not v.patiently!) to adopt a newborn. My company benefits entitle me to one week's paid leave. And there is a small cash sum toward adoption fees. If I was to have a child biologically, I would be entitled to eight weeks paid maternity leave. (And an additional four unpaid!)

I wondered what benefits other folks out there in snowy WI get? Are there any companies who treat maternity and adoption leave equally? I'm trying to get some examples together to help my company re-look at the current program.

Also, I wanted to share a great resource for helping people to encourage your organization to become more adoption-friendly. It's a glossy brochure from the Dave Thomas Foundation and it will help you to pitch for better benefits. There's a CD in it with a letter you can use. And a timeline comparing the cost of a birth to the adoption process. Call 1-877-777-4222 or check it out on the web AdoptionFriendly.Workplace.org

Thanks in advance!

[rebeccasusan]

I work at a non-profit agency, but i was allowed the Exact same leave as any other maternity leave here-12 weeks. we are allowed to use 6 weeks of accrued sick time, and the other 6 can either be unpaid, or a combo of vacation, personal days, or unpaid.

Most sick leave policy states that you can use it to take care of yourself or a family member, and clearly, a newborn must be cared for, no daycare can take them, for at least 6 weeks!

I can't believe you are being treated differently than a biological maternity situation...are you sure that's even legal? I thought workplaces had to treat adoption the same?

Good Luck! Please let me know if i can be of any further assistance!

[ErikaWI]

Good Morning!
I think you should probably check out the WI Family Leave Act amd the Federal Family Leave Act...these to laws may allow you more time off (unpaid) that your employer must comply with. Take a look.
Erika

[gbfan]

I, too am in WI waiting for a placement, and have checked out my co's policy. Seems to be similar to yours, copybird. There is only a one week paid time off benfit. It amazes me that it is any different than maternity leave. Our co. offers a full paid 8 week leave for maternity.

I currently have my boss checking into getting me additional time. However, I work for a national firm, so I am not sure he will make much progress. They do off an unpaid family leave - which I will do if I have to - it just seems unfair that an adoptive parent would be any different than a bio parent.