Cyd Oppenheimer, J.D. & Peg Oliveira, Ph.D.

This report summarizes the current state of family leave policies in Connecticut and the United States; examines the data showing both the need for paid family leave and widespread support for such leave; and presents evidence regarding the positive association between paid leave and child health, child development, and business outcomes. It explores seven possible models for implementing paid leave, and ultimately recommends that Connecticut consider implementing three programs: (1) a family leave insurance program, funded by contributions by employees and employers, or by employees alone; (2) tax credits for businesses who provide paid family leave; and (3) an at-home infant care program, which could use state dollars currently invested in the state Care 4 Kids Child Care subsidy program, simply diverting these dollars from a child care provider to the stay-at-home parent. (January 2008)

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