You must start your leave on the date that you have specified in the notice to your employer. The notice can be verbal or written, but your employer can request that it is given in writing, and it is often best to do this in order to avoid any confusion at a later date. Your leave can start on:

• the day the child is expected to be placed with you; or
• a specific number of days after the child has been placed with you; or
• on a pre-determined date.

If you find that you are at work on the day you specified your leave to begin, your adoption leave period will begin on the day after that.