Page updated 9 May 2022
Overview
This page has details of the steps involved in taking and returning from Adoptive Leave.
Adoptive Leave Process
Step 1: Gather the required information
Before commencing this process you’ll need to know or consider the following information:
- What is Date of Placement? You’ll need a letter from the Adoption Authority confirming this.
- When will you start your paid Adoptive Leave? On the Date of Placement?
- When will you end your paid Adoptive Leave?
- Will you take additional unpaid Adoptive Leave immediately after the 24 paid weeks have elapsed?
- Do any public holidays fall during this period?
- Do you propose to take Annual Leave following my Adoptive Leave? (this needs approval)
- Taking all the above into account, what date do you propose to return?
Step 2: Download both UCD and statutory documentation
- Download and complete the Notification of intention to take Adoptive / Surrogacy Leave form
- Download an Adoptive Benefit Form (AB1) from (opens in a new window)Gov.ie. It’s best to do this now and you can find some supporting information further down this page.
Step 3: Have a conversation
Once you’ve considered or gathered the information above, you’ll need have a conversation with your Head of School / Unit. They will need to sign off on the Notification of intention to take Adoptive / Surrogacy Leave form, confirming approval to take additional paid/leave.
Step 4: Submit your documentation to HR
Following the conversation with your HOS / HOU you can submit your documentation to HR for implementation:
- Notification of Intention to take Adoptive Leave form
- “Declaration of Suitability" or a “Certificate of Placement”
- Adoptive Benefit Form (AB1)
Which parts of the Adoptive Benefit Form (AB1) do you complete?
- UCD Employees need to complete AB1 (Part 1 -3 & 5-8 of the form).
- UCD Employees need to send in AB1 (Part 4) to UCD HR for completion.
Step 5: Submit your Adoptive Benefit Form (AB1)
When your AB1 form has been completed by UCD HR, we will send it back to either your place of work or home address. You will then need to send it onto the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Adoptive Benefit Section.
What happens next?
You will receive a letter from UCD HR confirming:
- Receipt of your “Notification of Intention to take Adoptive Leave form".
- Your adoptive leave dates.
- The date you are due to return to the university following the leave concerned.
Note! The adoptive leave “Notification of Return to Work” form will be enclosed with the adoptive leave acknowledgement letter.
Ending Adoptive Leave
To end your Adoptive Leave you will need to complete and return your “Notification of Return to Work” form no later than 4 weeks before your return to work.
You’ll need to discuss and get approval from your Head of School / Unit if you plan to take additional annual leave at the end of your Adoptive Leave.