Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace Survey Results

The Foundation partners with RTI International — an independent, nonprofit research institute — to conduct the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace survey.

Participating companies offer an average of $16,716 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs — up 6% from 2025. The average amount of paid leave is 8.9 weeks for adoptive parents, which is an increase of 1% from 2025.

The amount of paid leave offered to foster parents was an average of 9 weeks, a 2% increase from 2025.

How organizations are recognized:

100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces =
Highest-scoring employers based on financial reimbursement (45%), paid leave (45%) and employee eligibility (10%)

Adoption Advocates =
Employers that offer financial reimbursement, paid leave or both but did not meet 100 Best thresholds

Certified Adoption-Friendly Workplaces =
Offer a minimum of $5,000 in reimbursement for adoption costs and 6 weeks of paid leave

Certified Foster-Friendly Workplaces =
Offer a minimum of 2 weeks of paid leave for foster parents

*Indicates a tie