Oregon highlights paid family leave options for new parents this month

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) --- Paid Leave Oregon is highlighting paid family leave benefits available to new parents during National Breastfeeding Month this August. Eligible employees in Oregon can receive up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to bond with a child following birth, adoption or foster placement.

The program provides paid time away from work for parents to recover from childbirth, establish feeding routines and adjust to caring for a new child. A parent who is pregnant or has given birth may also qualify for up to two additional weeks of medical leave for limitations related to pregnancy or childbirth.

Leave can be taken in flexible increments, including a full week, several days or a single day at a time during the first year after a child's arrival. Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department, highlighted the program's role in helping families maintain financial stability. “Parents should not have to choose between their family's economic security and the time they need to recover, bond with and care for a new baby,” Stolfi said. “Paid Leave Oregon gives families more choices during a major life transition. It helps families make decisions about care and feeding not how quickly someone can afford to return to work.”

Bonding leave is also available to spouses, partners and other parents to share household duties, care for older children and assist a recovering parent. Juan Serratos, director of Paid Leave Oregon, outlined how paid leave helps families navigate child care decisions. “Paid Leave gives families time to recover, learn and make child care decisions based on what works for them, rather than having the immediate need for a paycheck make the decision for them,” Serratos said. “Welcoming a child affects the whole family and caring for one another is part of that transition. Paid Leave gives more parents the opportunity to be present, divide responsibilities and build the routines that will support their family after they return to work.”

In addition to paid leave, Oregon workplace laws provide continued support when employees return to work. Employers generally must provide reasonable rest periods for workers to express milk as needed until their child reaches 18 months old. Employers are also required to make reasonable efforts to provide a private location, other than a public restroom or toilet stall, where employees can express milk without being seen or interrupted.

Paid Leave Oregon covers additional qualifying events beyond welcoming a child, including recovery from a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or addressing issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment. The Oregon Employment Department offers free assistance for applicants, including language interpreters and accessible formats.