More companies offer benefits for families who adopt, annual survey shows

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Companies in Ohio and across the country have provided benefits for employees who have children including financial assistance, paid time off, health care and more. Now, a survey is showing that more companies are offering benefits to families who adopt.

Recently, The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption released a survey focusing on the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces. The foundation noted increases for 2023 when it comes to adoption benefits in companies.

According to the list, the foundation found a 23.5% increase in financial reimbursement for companies across the country. The survey also noted an 8.4% uptick in paid time leave, compared with the survey's findings in 2022.

Some of the Ohio companies noted include OhioHealth, Cardinal Health and the Zoological Society of Cincinnati.

President and CEO of the foundation, Rita Soronen, said the goal of the survey is to give a sense of equity for families that adopt and what benefits are available.

"Either paid leave or financial assistance, just a recognition in the workplace that families that are formed through adoption are no different from families who are formed through birth," Soronen said. "Even just a notion of celebration that this is indeed a viable way that families are formed in the workplace."

Soronen noted that along costs implied with adoption, there are other aspects when it comes to adopting a child. This includes the extra time to help the child adapt to their new environment, which is why she said showcasing companies who have those adoption benefits are important to families.

"Getting the child adjusted to the community, into the home, into school, all of those things take time," said Soronen.

Companies can also register to be evaluated through The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in its 2024 survey. The recognition will show how companies are prioritizing their benefits for all families, including those who are formed through adoption.

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