Celebrating Families
From hosting Adoption Day in McLennan County to offering programs and benefits to Baylor faculty and staff who foster or adopt, Baylor University is committed to family flourishing.
The University was recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as one of the nation’s top education institutions offering robust adoption benefits programs. Through its Adoption-Friendly Workplace program, the Foundation ranked Baylor third nationally among U.S. education institutions for offering the best overall adoption benefits, including paid parental leave and financial assistance for adoption-related expenses. Baylor also is featured on the foster care benefits list for offering paid parental leave to foster parents.
In 2017, Baylor implemented expansive new policies that provide paid parental leave for staff and an adoption assistance program that helps defray expenses associated with the adoption process and affirms the choice by staff and faculty to grow their families through adoption.
Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., noted that “Baylor’s parental leave and adoption assistance benefits, including for foster care, align with the University’s Christian mission and reflect our deep commitment to supporting and strengthening families. We have made it a priority to provide a supportive work environment that enriches the lives of our staff and faculty and their families.”
Baylor’s commitment to strengthening families extends beyond its own faculty and staff, as well.
The McLennan County Adoption Day, hosted by Baylor Law School for the 16th year, was held Nov. 22, 2024, bringing together families, children and the legal community to celebrate the life-changing moment when adoptions are finalized. This tradition not only marks the formation of new families but showcases the dedication of Baylor Law students, faculty, staff and local attorneys who help make this celebration possible.
“Adoption Day is more than an event; it is a testament to Baylor Law School’s dedication to community service and pro bono work,” noted Dean of Baylor Law School Jeremy Counseller, M.B.A. ’00, J.D. ’00. “The celebration offers law students invaluable hands-on experience and demonstrates the transformative impact lawyers can have on their clients and the community.”
The event celebrated the adoption of 19 children into 15 families. Since 2008, more than 1,000 student volunteers have contributed to this pro bono work.