Yes. Like biological parents, adoptive and foster parents may take up to 12 weeks of leave to care for an adopted child when she or he comes into your home. (This also applies to a child you recently assumed parental responsibilities for, such as a foster child.) The child does not have to be a newborn or infant for you to request leave. Unlike some biological parents, depending on the employer, adoptive parents do not have the ability under FMLA to use any paid sick leave they have accrued to cover part of their unpaid leave when they adopt a newborn. They can, however, use any paid annual leave they have accrued for that purpose. Under the law, the right to take family leave when a child is adopted occurs when the child is placed with you. You do not have to wait for the adoption to be finalized, which may take months or even years after you first have custody of the child, to take leave. Employers covered by FMLA are required to grant leave before the actual placement or adoption of a child if an absence from work is required for the placement for adoption or foster care to proceed. For example, you may be required to attend counseling sessions, appear in court, consult with your attorney or the doctor(s) representing the birth parent, or submit to a physical examination. All leave must be concluded within 12 months of your child's placement in the home, even if the adoption is not yet final.