As employers look to "new and uncommon benefits as a way to recruit and retain employees," many are considering adoption and fostering family support, in addition to paid parental and extended family leave.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management's 2023 Employee Benefits Survey, the number of employers offering paid adoption leave increased six percentage points last year to 34 percent of employers. In addition, those offering foster child leave increased three percentage points to 25 percent of employers.

The financial amount also increased in 2023. According to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, employers provided an average of $14,381 for an employee's adoption costs, up 24 percent from 2022. These reimbursements typically apply toward "qualified adoption expenses," including court costs, attorney fees, travel, and agency fees.

Most employers provide a fixed amount of adoption support. However, a few companies provide unlimited financial reimbursement for adoption.

Employers also increased the amount of leave given to adoptive parents to nine weeks, which is an eight percent increase from 2022, according to the nonprofit. Ginger Christ "Adoption benefits on the rise" www.hrdive.com (Nov. 29, 2023).

So, the question for our readers is: Do You Provide Adoption Benefits?

Please take the poll. Here is the opinion of one of the McCalmon editorial staff:

Jack McCalmon, Esq.

I believe adoption benefits are important. If able to afford them, employers should offer them.

You can answer our poll. Please note any comments provided may be shared with others.