RESERVIST MAGAZINE HEADQUARTERS UPDATE The Parental Leave Program is renewed for another year Story by Annie Sheehan, MyCG The Coast Guard prioritizes parents and their families, and renewing the Parental Leave Program reflects that. In 2019, the Coast Guard rolled out the PLP, which sources Coast Guard reservists to take the duties of active duty members on prenatal, convalescent, or primary caregiver leave. When a birth or adoptive parent is out on leave, a reservist voluntarily fills in for up to 120 days and gains new experiences they might not have had access to otherwise. “PLP is incredible because it is a far-reaching program that serves many communities,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Kirstin MacLean, acting Parental Leave Program manager. “Reservists get to assist with work that they might have never done before, while new parents are able to enjoy much deserved time off to welcome a new child into their family.” PLP has been renewed for another year—and with good reason. Since the program’s launch, over 410 active duty members were backfilled by reservists, accounting for over 37,000 days of support to units. MacLean credits Senior Chief Petty Officer Theresa Joyce, coincidentally on maternal convalescent leave herself, for being at the helm and making the program what it is today. “Its success is a testament to her ability to take all of the stakeholders' needs into consideration and make decisions that benefit everyone as best as possible,” she said. PLP has a wide scope of coverage to support individual unit needs. A doctor might authorize prenatal leave for up to 30 days. 28 RESERVIST � Issue 3 • 2022 After a child is born, the birthing parent requires convalescent leave to recover. Biological or adoptive parents are also eligible for primary caregiver leave, so they can spend quality time with their child or children. In order for units to receive PLP support, a member must take non-chargeable leave of 42 days or more. The number of days covered beyond 42 is dependent on medical and individual circumstances. For example, someone who is adopting would not be eligible for prenatal or convalescent leave. However, a unit with a member with a high-risk pregnancy and doctor’s orders could receive the maximum coverage of 120 days. When a member knows a child is coming into their life, early communication with the command is vital. To start the PLP process, the unit must send in a Request for Forces to Surge Staffing ([email protected]) with the header “Parental Leave Augmentation” 12 weeks prior to the requested start date. PLP officials will verify information, walk through available coverage, and begin soliciting for volunteer reservists. Reserve members can apply in Direct Access. After a vetting process, they will receive orders. Though voluntary, PLP has been able to fill over 90% of unit requests for support. “People in the Coast Guard love the Coast Guard,” concluded MacLean. “From reservists to active duty parents to units, all of PLP’s stakeholders benefit from this program, so we’re very excited to see it be renewed for another year.” �
