How to Write an Adoption Leave Letter?: Sample & Law Guidelines
Did you know that between 2020 to 2022, 9,000 children were adopted in India? While that is great news and a new experience altogether for new parents, working parents might face difficulties in finding that work-life balance. This is where adoption leave comes into the picture.
In the following sections, we will understand the concept of adoption leave meaning, government policies guiding this leave, and the best practices for writing an excellent adoption leave letter using several sample templates.
What is an Adoption Leave?
It is a type of paid leave employers give to their employees who have recently adopted a baby. The essence of an adoption leave is to give new parents time to settle into their new role and spend quality time with their children. Its importance is significantly growing within every organization as these leaves enhance adoptive parents’ productivity and loyalty.
However, only a few companies have implemented leave for adoptive parents, as it is a relatively new concept in the corporate system. To get better insights on writing leave letters, check out this comprehensive guide on 7 different leave application formats.
How to Apply for Adoption Leave in India?
When you apply for a leave, you have to ensure that the application is written effectively and all the necessary information is communicated appropriately. For this, one must possess effective communication skills. To hone these skills, taking an online business communication skills course is highly beneficial.
In India, Section 5(4) of the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 supports the adoption leave policy. According to this section, any woman who legally adopts an infant aged three months or less is eligible for 12 weeks of maternity leave. However, it is uncertain if this clause covers individuals who have work-from-home jobs.
To apply for an adoption leave in India, here are some practical steps you can take.
- Check Your Company’s Adoption Leave Rules: Talk with your company’s HR to learn about the adoption leave policy, if there is any, and how it works.
- Share Your Leave Intention with Your Manager: Before you write and submit your adoption leave letter, notify your manager of your intentions.
- Mention the Relevant Reason for Taking Leave: When crafting your leave for adoption letter, it is essential to be thorough and precise. Make sure to include all necessary details, like why you are taking leave, how long you will be away, etc.
- State the Duration of Leave: It is crucial to mention the duration of your leave in your application. According to the Maternity Benefit Law, an adoptive mother may take a maximum of 12 weeks of leave if the adopted child is less than three months old.
- Delegate Your Workplace Responsibilities: Ensure your workplace responsibilities are managed well and not compromised. For this purpose, identify coworkers who can cover for you while you are gone.
- Keep Everyone Informed: It is important to add all stakeholders to your email thread when you send out your leave application.
Sample Letters for Adoption Leave
Here are different samples of adoptive leave letters.
1. Sample Letter for Leave of Adoption
Given below is an example of an adoption leave in India letter.
| Dear [Recipient’s Name/Title], I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about an important milestone in my life. I am currently employed as a [Your Job Designation] in the [Area/Branch Name] department. Over the past year and a half, my partner and I have been on a journey to expand our family through adoption. I am thrilled to share the news that we have successfully been matched with a child, and our new family member will be joining us on October 20, 2022. In light of this significant development, I am formally requesting a 12-week parental leave, beginning on October 19. During my absence, I have made arrangements for the capable hands of Mr. XYZ and Ms. WRT to assume responsibility for my ongoing projects and manage my duties in my absence. I kindly ask for your support and understanding in granting me this adoption leave in accordance with our company’s established policies. Your approval will greatly assist me in ensuring a smooth transition during this period. I look forward to receiving a positive response from you and appreciate your consideration of this request. Warm regards, [Your Name] |
2. Adoption Leave Sample Letter for a Teacher
Here is a sample leave letter for a teacher.
| Dear [Recipient’s Name/Title], I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about a significant event in my life. I am currently employed as a Maths teacher at [School Name]. As you may be aware, my partner and I have been in the process of adopting a child for the past year and a half. I am thrilled to share the wonderful news that we have finally been matched with a child, and they will be joining our family on 20th February 2022. Given the importance of this life-changing event, I am formally requesting a 12-week adoption leave, commencing on 25th February. During my absence, I have taken steps to ensure that my classes and responsibilities are well-managed. My colleague, [Colleague’s Name], has kindly agreed to cover my classes and assist with any necessary administrative tasks. I kindly ask for your support and understanding in granting me this adoption leave, in accordance with the school’s policies. Your approval will greatly assist me in ensuring a smooth transition during this period, and I am committed to making the necessary arrangements for a seamless handover. I look forward to your positive response and appreciate your consideration of my request. If you require any further information or details, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] |
3. Leave for Adoption Sample Letter for a Lawyer
Here is a sample leave letter for a lawyer.
| Dear [Recipient’s Name/Title], I trust this message finds you in good health. I am writing to inform you of an important development in my life. As you may know, I am employed as a Senior Legal Practitioner at [Law Firm Name]. Over the past year and a half, my partner and I have been in the process of adopting a child. I am delighted to share the news that we have successfully been matched with a child, and we are preparing to welcome them into our family. The anticipated placement date for our new family member is May 10th, which marks the beginning of a significant phase in our lives. In light of this impending change, I am formally requesting a 12-week adoption leave, starting on 12th May. During my absence, I have taken the necessary steps to ensure a seamless transition for my clients and ongoing cases. My capable colleagues, [Colleague 1] and [Colleague 2], have agreed to handle my caseload and ensure that our client’s needs continue to be met during my leave. I kindly ask for your support in granting me this adoption leave in accordance with the policies and guidelines set forth by our law firm. Your approval will enable me to dedicate the necessary time and attention to my growing family while maintaining the high standards of service that our clients expect. I look forward to your positive response and appreciate your understanding and consideration of my request. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] |
Challenges Indian Parents Face with Adoption Leave
The Maternity Leave Law in India has limitations for adoptive mothers since it only allows for 12 weeks of leave if the infant is less than three months old. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t apply if the adopted child is over three months old. The law grants biological mothers 26 weeks of parental leave, making it unfair for adoptive mothers.
Aside from the legal aspect, there is a social stigma associated with adoption in India. Many parents find it difficult to express their need for adoption leave because of the stigma attached to adoption. People do not openly talk about adoption and fear judgments from others.
The concept of adoption leave is also not widely known, and therefore, many companies do not have any adoption leave policy. This lack of awareness also deepens the social stigma of normalizing adoption. If employers are aware of this leave policy, they are reluctant to grant adoption leave due to the additional costs associated with it, making it difficult for adoptive parents to access the benefits of the policy.
Normalizing the concept of adoption leave in India and making it on par with the leave duration rule for biological mothers will require a considerable amount of time. This is necessary to ensure that all adoptive mothers are granted the necessary time off to take care of their infant.
Conclusion
The implementation of the adoption leave policy in India has a long way to go. However, it is now gaining popularity, and many companies are taking a step ahead to include adoption leave in their leave policies. Offering leave on account of adopting a child to an employee builds a healthier, more supportive, and more equitable work environment.
You can also check out how to write other office leave letters. If your company already has an adoption leave policy in place, let us know how it is carried out in the comments section below.
