Paid Family Leave

Components

How This Impacts Children's Development

Description

Paid family and medical leave policies allow parents to spend more time with their children, particularly right after birth, leading to reduced rates of children born pre-term or with low birth weight and prolonged breastfeeding. The effects of paid family leave also include improved economic well-being, mental and physical health, parental engagement, and reduced infant mortality.

READ THE BRIEF: paid family and medical leave improves the well-being of children and families, 2019

Talking Points from the SRCD Brief

Talking Points from SRCD Brief
More children are living with two working parents or a single working parent, increasing the need for paid family and medical leave.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides unpaid, job-protected leave to about 60% of workers, with only 40% receiving employer-sponsored paid leave.
As of 2019, the U.S. lacks federal paid family and medical leave, though seven states and D.C. have implemented their own laws, starting with California in 2004.
Almost half of working adults in the U.S. have used or expect to need leave for a seriously ill family member, but 10% report being unable to take leave when needed.
Paid family and medical leave helps families care for loved ones while staying in the workforce, potentially reducing economic and social inequalities, especially for single parents and disadvantaged children.

Policy Considerations in the Brief

Implement federal and/or state paid family and medical leave insurance programs.
Restructure the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including:
- Providing job-protected leave for more workers.
- Granting paid leave to workers.
Consider how other counties provide robust paid family and medical leave under their social insurance system.
Learn from states with implemented paid family and medical leave, such as California.

READ THE BRIEF: paid family and medical leave improves the well-being of children and families, 2019