The Harris County Family-Friendly Workplace Program was implemented to provide eligible Harris County employees with Paid Parental Leave, Infant Sick Leave, childcare access, breastfeeding support, and mental health support. Program benefits are as follows:

Paid Parental Leave


Paid Parental Leave provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave at 100% of the eligible employee's pay. Eligible employees may use this leave within 12 months after the birth, adoption, or placement of a child for adoption, in addition to any other leave for which the employee is eligible. For more information, please review the Paid Parental Leave Policy. You may also send an email to PaidParentalLeave@harriscountytx.gov for additional information or questions.

 

 

Infant Sick Leave


In recognition of the additional medical care needs of infants after the birth, adoption, or placement of a child for adoption, Harris County will provide parents up to 40 hours of Infant Sick Leave during the infant’s first 12 months of birth. For more information, visit page 6 section 12.09 of the Paid Parental Leave Policy.

You may also send an email to PaidParentalLeave@harriscountytx.gov for additional information or questions.

Lactation Policy and Lactation Rooms


Harris County supports breastfeeding employees through accommodations to allow adequate time, proper space, and resources to build and maintain milk supply during the workday. Harris County shall provide a private accessible area, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public, for the purpose of expressing breastmilk. When available, employees may use the dedicated Lactation Rooms or other agreed spaces, for the purpose of expressing breastmilk.

If you need assistance locating or establishing a Lactation Room, please contact HRRM Benefits and Wellness at 713-274-5500. If you would like to request to use your own private office or other private locations to express breastmilk, please consult your supervisor or HRRM.

Breastfeeding supplies and support are also available! You’re eligible for a breast pump covered at 100% provided by an in-network supplier of Durable Medical and Respiratory Equipment (DME) for Aetna customers.

To qualify for coverage, you must have one of the following claims:
• Claim with a pregnancy diagnosis
• Delivery claim
• Lactation claim

Durable Medical Equipment providers may require a prescription when ordering your breast pump. Contact Aetna at 800-228-6481 to obtain a list of National Durable Medical Equipment providers.

Lactation support classes are preventive and covered at 100%.