Supporting LADWP’s Working Families
By Paola Adler
LADWP recognizes that supporting employees who are parents and caretakers helps create a thriving, efficient and successful workplace. That’s why LADWP’s Family Care programs aim to support, nurture and respect the needs of working families at the Department.
Read below for an overview of the current programs offered, as well as what is in development and coming later in the year. To get more detailed information about these resources, visit the Family Care MyDWP page. Information is also available on the Board of Water and Power Commissioners website under Employee Resources for Family Planning.
Before the Baby Comes
LADWP offers assistance related to having children and getting ready for children, whether it be through child birth, surrogacy or adoption. The programs below can help plan for your baby’s arrival with the least amount of stress.
- Pregnancy and New Baby Care Kits: Kits include pregnancy related books and various newborn related items, such as onesies, outlet covers, pacifiers and bibs. LADWP Family Care also disseminates Lactation Kits that include Medela starting pump items (e.g. bottles, tubing, shields, valves). Contact Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at familycare@ladwp.com.
- Family Medical Leave: LADWP will grant leaves of absences, pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act and California Family Rights Act, to eligible employees to care for their child, spouse, domestic partner or parent who has a serious health condition, or for the employee's own serious condition. The leave may also be taken within a one-year period for the birth of the employee's child or the adoption or foster care placement of a child with the employee. Employees are eligible to take family leave if they have worked for LADWP or City of Los Angeles for at least 12 months and have worked for at least 1,250 hours over the 12-month period immediately preceding the date the leave begins. Contact Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at FMLA@ladwp.com. The Family Care Office has also relaunched the Family Medical Leave webpage on MyDWP, which includes information on leave options, required Family Medical Leave forms and more. A Maternity/Paternity Checklist has been updated to guide you through the preparation process as a new parent, as well as an FAQ document to provide you with information as you apply for a family medical leave.
- One-on-One Consultations: If you are expecting or anticipating a need to tend to family, LADWP Family Care conducts consultations by request so you can plan accordingly. Contact Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at FMLA@ladwp.com.
Support for New Parents
The arrival of a baby is exciting, but it can be overwhelming too. When the time comes to return back to work, the programs below can be helpful.
- Lactation Pumps: LADWP supports breastfeeding and recognizes that not all breastfeeding pumps are made alike. LADWP has Medela Symphony breast pumps available for loan. We are getting more in the fall, and we are also obtaining other pump models, including travel pumps, that may be a preferred option for our employees. In addition, health insurance carriers also provide lactation pumps after hospital discharge. Contact LAP@ladwp.com to reach our Lactation Accommodation Program.
- Childcare Resources: LADWP Family Care can help employees with locating a childcare provider and has pricing information for local childcare centers, such as Joy Picus, Tiny Dots and Harry Pregerson. LADWP Family Care is working on bringing on a childcare coordinator with additional referral services soon. Contact Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at familycare@ladwp.com.
- Parent Education: LADWP Family Care currently has referrals for classes on pregnancy, prenatal care, nutrition, maternity support and more. Call Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at familycare@ladwp.com. The Wellness program’s Lunch N’ Learn series also covers topics related to parenting, which may be accessed via the Lunch N’ Learn calendar on MyDWP. In Fall 2022, LADWP will begin offering additional parental educational programming, including classes and informational videos.
- Voluntary Child/Spousal Support Deduction Program: LADWP Family Care has reinstated the Voluntary Child and Spousal Support Deduction Program. The program benefits employees who would like to set up voluntary child support or spousal support payments through paycheck deductions. It is solely voluntary and for the convenience and benefit of LADWP employees who would prefer this option as a way to comply with their child and/or spousal support obligations. Contact Family Care at (213) 367-4153 or email them at VCSDP@ladwp.com.
- Lactation Services Specialist – Coming Soon: LADWP Family Care is working to bring a lactation specialist to work directly with our new moms and support expectant families during pregnancy. Contact LAP@ladwp.com to reach our Lactation Accommodation Program.
- Lactation Stations – Coming Soon: LADWP is working on upgrading its existing lactation rooms at JFB, for functionality and aesthetics. We are also building dedicated private rooms with lactation pumps at Figueroa Plaza and Pacific Stock Exchange. Contact LAP@ladwp.com to reach our Lactation Accommodation Program.
Supporting LADWP’s Working Families Webinar
On August 25, in celebration of Women’s Equality Day and National Breastfeeding Month, LADWP’s Women’s Council held a webinar titled “LADWP Supporting Our Working Families.” Over 400 participants joined trailblazers of the Family Life Program to discuss past programs offered by the Department, and learn about upcoming programs and resources in place to support the women and working families of LADWP. Also engaged in the webinar were Board President and Women’s Council Co-Chair Cynthia McClain-Hill, General Manager and Chief Engineer Marty Adams, and IBEW Local 18 Business Manager Gus Corona. Watch the full event above to learn more about past, current and upcoming family programs.
Kit and pump photos by Art Mochizuki.
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