Take-up Rate for Adoption Leave

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development what is the take-up rate for adoption leave after the legislative changes introduced in July 2017 that allows for adoptive mothers to get 12 weeks of adoption leave.

From 1 July to 31 December 2017, 67 mothers applied to adopt a child aged below 12 months. Twenty-four have taken adoption leave. Not all of the adoptive mothers require adoption leave, as some may not be working. This number may still increase as adoptive mothers have the flexibility to take adoption leave till their adopted child turns 12 months old.