Does the FMLA cover adoption or foster care leave?
Yes, the FMLA does cover adoption or foster care leave for employees in Washington. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that provides certain employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. In Washington, the state law provides for additional leave beyond the federal law. Under the FMLA, eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for the following reasons: to care for a family member with a serious health condition, to take care of an adopted or foster child, or to take care of a newborn. The leave can also be taken to be with a family member who has been called to active military duty. Employees who are eligible for FMLA leave must have worked at least 12 months for the employer, including at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to requesting leave. In addition, the employer must have a certain number of employees. Eligible employees must be notified of their rights under the FMLA and should contact their HR department for more information. In Washington, employees also have the right to take up to 16 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for the same reasons as under the FMLA. This additional leave is provided by state law and is unpaid, however, employers may choose to provide paid leave. Employees should contact their HR department for more information regarding their rights under the law.
Related FAQs
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What counts as a serious health condition under the FMLA?
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