The question
What would it take for paid leave policy and research to meet caregivers’ needs beyond new parenthood?
The read
Paid family and medical leave can help workers take time away for a new child, a close family member’s serious illness, or their own serious medical needs. Access may come through an employer, leave insurance, or a state program for eligible workers. The article reviews PFML’s impacts on workers’ health, family well-being, and employer outcomes. It says less is known about its impact on employees who need leave to care for older children, adult family members, or elderly relatives.
What happens next
As state programs operate, the next question is whether research on caregivers of older children and adult family members will catch up with the access those programs offer.
What could change this read
This read would change with further research on the effects of wage replacement rate and leave duration, and of types of leave beyond parental leave.
Developments in this issue
Reference paths
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