Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
Paragraph: 72
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health of the whole nation.
Recommendation
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the mental health of the whole nation. New and expectant parents have especially been put under tremendous strain during what is already an incredibly challenging time in their lives. It is extremely likely that there will be a significant increase in mental health referrals from new parents which the Government must ensure that the Health Service is fully prepared for. We are the first generation of legislators with the scientific knowledge of the impact that parental mental health has on the development, health and future outcomes of some of the most vulnerable in society: babies and young children. We must act on this knowledge. The Government should fund and provide additional professional and mental health support especially targeted at this cohort of parents, and their children in addition to its wider plans to significantly expand mental health services provided by the NHS.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issue and highlights existing guidance, open services, and ongoing commitments to expand perinatal mental health services by 2023/24, without committing to additional targeted support specifically for new parents affected by COVID-19.
Paragraph Reference:
72
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government places great value on individuals who come forward to take on the challenging but rewarding role of being an adoptive parent. We also understand how crucial it is that these parents have time off from work to settle their child into their new home and form a bond. This is why the arrangements for employed adopters broadly mirror the arrangements for employed birth parents. Since April 2014, the primary adopter has had a ‘day 1’ right to 52 weeks’ Adoption Leave. The primary adopter is also eligible for 39 weeks of Statutory Adoption Pay, which is enhanced to 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings (with no upper limit) in the first 6 weeks of pay in line with the arrangements for birth mothers. On top of this entitlement to Leave and Pay, employed adopters can benefit from Annual Leave and unpaid parental leave to extend the time they have off work. They may also make a request for flexible working allowing them to balance their home and work commitments. As with Maternity Leave and Pay, the Government believes this entitlement to Adoption Leave and Pay is generous and allows enough time for the new parent to bond with their child.