U.S Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released an advisory highlighting the need for innovative solutions like workplace policy reform and family support programs to help alleviate the stress experienced by parents, families, and caregivers.
“Many parents are managing all these challenges [of raising children] largely on their own… Supporting parents and caregivers will require a series of thoughtful policy changes and expanded community programs that will help ensure parents and caregivers can get time off to be with a sick child, secure affordable child care, access reliable mental health care, and benefit from places and initiatives that support social connection and community,” said Dr. Murthy.
In response to this advisory, solutions like the Workplace Options (WPO) Child and Family Wellbeing Program provide comprehensive support that helps to streamline access to essential care for families, ensuring they receive timely, expert guidance to navigate life’s challenges.
The program is a robust, multi-layered approach comprising counseling, coaching, and case management. It connects parents directly with experienced specialists who offer both direct support and informed referrals on pivotal issues, such as:
- Helping children manage anxiety and depression
- Guiding children through the emotional impacts of divorce
- Enhancing children’s academic and social confidence
- Connecting families with specialists for mood and behavioral disorders
- Providing access to pediatric and parental counseling
Dr. Jasmeen Kaur Malhotra, Director of Child and Adolescent Clinical Care at WPO, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures that support children’s wellbeing and lay the foundation for long-term resilience for the family.
“As a child psychologist, I recognize the value of early intervention in nurturing a child’s wellbeing,” said Dr. Malhotra, “By addressing emotional and psychological needs from the outset, we not only help children manage immediate mental health challenges but also equip families with the tools and resources required to build long-term resilience and wellbeing for the whole family unit. Our program is dedicated to delivering this support while celebrating and embracing the rich diversity of families across the globe, empowering them to thrive in their unique journeys.”
The Child and Family Wellbeing Program is available to families with children aged three and older and is strategically divided into three key components to ensure a smooth journey, timely interventions, and measurable outcomes:
- Specialized Pediatric Assessment: This initial step evaluates whether the Child and Family Wellbeing Program is the most appropriate solution for each family. It offers guidance on how to engage with the program effectively, ensuring that families are aligned with the services that best meet their needs.
- Short-term Counseling for Individuals and Families: Tailored counseling services provide vital emotional support during critical periods of life, such as divorce, grief, family transitions, school changes, or any developmental and environmental shifts. The focus is on equipping both parents and children to manage stressors and build resilience.
- Dedicated Care Coach Support: Families receive ongoing assistance from a Care Coach who develops a personalized care plan, reviews available resources, and provides expert recommendations for additional support. This hands-on approach ensures that every family can navigate the complexities of care with confidence and clarity.
By integrating these components, the Child and Family Wellbeing Program delivers a structured yet flexible support system that empowers working parents and their families. Each family is given the tools, insights, and resources they need not just to manage day-to-day challenges but to truly thrive. Personalized guidance helps them address mental health concerns for both children and parents, providing a safe space to confront emotional challenges and fostering the growth of resilience. Moreover, matched referrals connect families to the most effective resources and specialists available, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care.
This comprehensive and strategic approach is designed to empower families, enabling them to face their unique challenges with assurance and capability. By bolstering the mental well-being of both parents and children, the program amplifies its impact, fostering stronger, more connected families.
“Parents today are facing so many challenges and supporting the health and wellbeing of their children is always top of mind,” said Sarah Wood, VP & General Manager of Emerging Solutions at WPO, “It can be difficult to know what type of support is needed, where to find those resources and how to remove barriers to access them. Our program walks hand-in-hand with families to provide mental health support for parents and children, connect them with providers and other supportive resources and comprehensive case management to assist them in their journey. It is a one-stop shop for employers who want to support their working parents.”
At a time when the mental health of parents and children is under unprecedented pressure, the Child and Family Wellbeing Program is not just a benefit—it is a necessity. For organizations committed to holistic support, implementing such programs reflects a forward-thinking approach to employee engagement and well-being. By understanding and addressing the interconnected needs of working parents and their children, employers can cultivate a healthier, more resilient workforce—one where parents are equipped not only to cope with the dual demands of work and home but to excel in both arenas.
Incorporating the Child and Family Wellbeing Program into an organization’s suite of employee benefits isn’t just a wise choice; it’s a transformative investment in building a thriving, supportive workplace culture.
To explore how the Child and Family Wellbeing program can benefit your workforce, contact us for more details.
