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Adoptive and Surrogacy Leave Application Procedure

This procedural document sets out the process for applying for adoptive leave and surrogacy leave, as per the DCU Adoptive and Surrogacy Leave Policy.

Adoptive Leave Application Process

  • The employee must put their application for Adoptive leave in writing to the DCU People at least 6 weeks before the commencement of leave. This can be submitted through the DCU People Helpdesk  (select People Services to ensure it is routed to the correct team for processing). A Certificate of Placement (for domestic adoptions) or Declaration of Suitability (for intercountry adoptions) confirming the adoption must be subsequently forwarded to DCU People within 4 weeks of the child’s placement date.

  • A letter confirming the Adoptive Leave arrangement and conditions will be issued by DCU People to the employee.

  • The AB1 Form for Adoptive Benefit completed by DCU People will be needed by the employee when making a claim for Adoptive Benefit.

  • In addition, the employee must notify DCU People and their Head of School/Unit of their intention to avail of additional unpaid leave at least 4 weeks before the leave is due to take place.

  • In cases where adoptive leave is being availed of after a period of surrogacy leave, the employee must notify DCU People in any application for Adoptive leave if they have already availed of paid Surrogacy leave in respect of the same child and notify DCU People that the application is for a period of unpaid Adoptive leave.

Surrogacy Leave Application Process

  • The employee must put their application for surrogacy leave in writing to DCU People at least 6 weeks before the commencement of leave. This can be submitted through the DCU People Helpdesk (select People Services to ensure it is routed to the correct team for processing)

  • The employee must specify in the application for Surrogacy leave, that they wish to avail of paid leave and are waiving any entitlement to non-statutory payments for Adoptive leave for the same child, if relevant in the future.

  • A medical certificate from the treating doctor (a registered medical practitioner in Ireland or abroad) must be submitted to DCU People to confirm the expected due date and to confirm that the baby is being born via a surrogacy arrangement. In the event of a premature birth, you can demonstrate the actual date of birth with a birth certificate or a medical certificate from the Hospital of birth/GP.