How Pennsylvania’s Family Care Act Could Improve Safety and Stability for Families

The Pennsylvania House recently passed the Family Care Act (House Bill 200), proposed legislation that would establish a statewide paid family leave program for the Commonwealth’s residents. What the bill would do for Pennsylvania families is to allow eligible workers to take paid time off for family care, including following the birth of a new child, illness of a family member, or one’s own serious illness.

The Family Care Act would help families, especially those struggling through difficult times like divorce, child custody battles, and attempting to leave situations involving domestic violence. If you’re struggling, the LLF National Law Firm can help. Our Pennsylvania Family Law Team is here to support you. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or by using our online form.

Research shows that paid family leave is beneficial for the health and well-being of families, adults, and children alike. When families have access to paid family leave, we see significant positive impacts on both children’s and adults’ physical and mental health.

Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy, in conjunction with the University of Connecticut and Prevent Child Abuse America, recently released an academic publication supporting paid family leave. The research team found that paid family leave reduces rates of child abuse they’ve seen:

The Family Care Act would provide much-needed paid leave for families who’ve fallen through the cracks. These are the almost 4 million Pennsylvania residents who don’t have access to family and medical leave through their employers under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act or voluntary employer programs.

If enacted, the law would give parents navigating divorce and custody battles time to attend court hearings, meet with attorneys, secure safe housing, or arrange appropriate childcare. When paid leave isn’t there, people miss work, risk job loss, and put off seeking much-needed legal help from our Family Law Team.

The legislation would also add a level of protection for people navigating domestic violence and abuse. Survivors frequently face barriers to leaving abusive environments, including financial dependence and lack of time to plan a safe exit. Paid leave provides a structured opportunity to seek protection orders, relocate, pursue an at-fault divorce, and get help from an LLF National Law Firm attorney without immediately risking income. This added flexibility can be the difference between remaining in a dangerous situation and taking steps toward safety.

While the legislation could be helpful for those in challenging situations, it can’t replace the assistance you get from working with an LLF National Law Firm attorney. Paid leave helps, but your attorney is the one who helps you through the legal hurdles you’re facing. Learn more about how our Pennsylvania Family Law Team can help by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.