09/09/03 - Adoption leave makes time for new families : Cumbria County Council

Today, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet agreed an Adoption Leave Policy for employees, approving 26 weeks paid leave and other benefits to new adopters. The policy supports employees who adopt children in an equitable way to employees who give birth.

County Councillor Jack Richardson, Cabinet spokesman for Human Resources says,

“The Employment Act 2002 introduced new legislation covering maternity, paternity and adoption leave. The majority of the terms and conditions of most County Council employees are determined at a national level through the National Joint Council for Local Government Employees but adoption leave and benefits has been left to local determination.

If we had chosen to offer adopters the minimum benefits outlined in law, they would not have been comparable with the Council’s maternity or paternity provision. Cumbria County Council is constantly seeking adopters for children and young people in its care. It is important that the support policies for our own employees reflect that commitment to adoption. I am delighted that the Cabinet has today agreed to update the adoption leave policy in line with current maternity and paternity policies.”

Annabelle Hoggan, Cumbria Social Services Directorate has an adopted daughter, Annabelle says,

“I am really pleased that the Council has made the decision to give equality in terms and conditions of service for adopters. I adopted my daughter 11 Years ago. At that time I was forced to take all of my annual leave and some unpaid leave to spend time with my child. People who adopt children often adopt older children, not babies. It is in some ways even more important that parents who adopt can spend time with their child, building a trusting, secure relationship without the fear of additional financial burdens.”

Cumbria County Council is constantly seeking adopters for children and young people in its care. Many people think that there are age and other restrictions stopping them adopting but generally that is not the case. There are no specific age limits and single adopters are needed just as much as married or cohabiting couples. It is important that the needs of individual children are met and sometimes a single carer best meets those needs. Adopters are ordinary people who can offer something extraordinary to a child or children in need. Older children, sibling groups and children with disabilities are waiting for new families to help them make the best of life chances. Anyone interested in knowing more about adoption can contact Cumbria Social Services Family Placement Teams direct on;