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Businesses, Get Ready: Your Guide to the New Neonatal Care Leave
Businesses must prepare for a significant new workplace entitlement where a baby is born on or after 6 April 2025 – neonatal care leave. Currently, 1 in 7 babies in the UK requires neonatal care due to premature birth, low birth weight, or complications.

What’s New for Working Parents (and Babies)

The 12‑Week Offer

Starting today, if your newborn ends up in the hospital for at least seven straight days during their first month, you’re granted the right to take up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave right away.

Who Gets the Bonus?

Over 60,000 parents are expected to snag this benefit. Also, many employers will handle statutory neonatal care pay (SNCP), which means you’ll get a paycheck while you’re on the front lines of diaper duty.

What Employers Need to Do
- Check your leave policy and make sure it lines up with the new rules.
- Set up a simple, clear process for employees to apply.
- Run the SNCP system so salaries don’t lag.
- Train HR to handle the paperwork quickly and friendly.
Why Act Fast

Ignoring the changes means you could find yourself scrambling when a baby’s first 7‑day hospital stay triggers the leave period. Don’t let paperwork pile up—get prepped now.

So, what do businesses need to know—and how can they prepare?

What’s Neonatal Care Leave All About?

Picture this: you and your partner are about to welcome a tiny bundle of joy, and suddenly the government says, “Hey, you’ve got a new baby? That’s great! You can pause work for a while.” That’s the magic of neonatal care leave. It’s a one‑day “right” that kicks in the very first day of your newborn’s hospital stay, as long as the baby is 28 days old or younger and spends at least seven consecutive days in the hospital or under related care.

Who Qualifies?
- Parents, individually. Both the mother and the father each get their own slice of this stop‑work opportunity.
- If the baby doesn’t stay in the hospital but still receives hospital‑directed care (think post‑discharge follow‑ups, monitoring visits, or palliative support), the same rule applies—milestones like a week of continuous care trigger the leave.
What Does “Neonatal Care” Mean?

Neonatal care covers three main scenarios:
- Hospital care. The baby’s admitted to the medical unit for treatment.
- Doctor‑led follow‑up care. After discharge, the child continues to be monitored under a consultant’s direction—weekly visits, check‑ups, and other hospital‑arranged services.
- Palliative or end‑of‑life care. Even in the toughest circumstances, the leave still applies.
In a Nutshell

Neonatal care leave lets parents step away from the office, make sure the newborn gets the medical attention it needs, and manage the emotional rollercoaster—without bringing a case of the blues to the workplace. If you’re meeting those criteria, you’re officially free to take time off right from day one.

The right is in addition to maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave.

What’s the Deal with Neonatal Care Pay and Leave?

Statutory neonatal care pay (SNCP) is the government’s way of helping new parents who have to take a little extra time to sit with a newborn who’s in a neonatal unit. Let’s break it down in plain English.

Who Can Claim?
- Worked for at least 26 continuous weeks before the baby arrives.
- Earns an average of at least £123 per week.
If you meet those criteria, you’re looking at a £187.18 per week payment.

Who Counts as a “Parent”?

Think “parent” broadly: the biological mom or dad, a surrogate’s intended base, an adopter, or even a partner living with the baby‑to‑be. In short, anyone tied up in an “enduring family relationship” with the child qualifies.

Neonatal Care Leave: The Freedom to Pause the World

Parents can snag up to 12 weeks of leave at no cost if they need to stay with a newborn in the NICU. You’re guaranteed at least one week, but you can take longer.

When Can You Take It?
- Starts from the moment the baby is admitted to the neonatal unit.
- Must fall somewhere within the first 68 weeks after birth or adoption.
- Usually stacks on top of maternity leave, giving you that extra breathing room.
Two Stages: Tier 1 vs. Tier 2

There are two ways to line up your leave:
1. Tier 1 – From first day of neonatal care to seven days after it ends. You can split this into chunks of at least a week, so if baby is doing a short-term stay, you can take a bit at a time.
2. Tier 2 – The remaining time up to 68 weeks. Here, you’re required to keep the leave in one continuous block.
Notice‑and‑Pay Rules

The notice you give to your employer depends on which tier you’re in. Tier 1 usually has less stringent notice, but if you and your boss are good pals, you can waive the notice requirement altogether. That’s one way to keep the peace.

Bottom Line

Basically, if you’ve been there, done that for 26 weeks, and hit the pay threshold, you can easily claim a sweet weekly payment and tuck away up to twelve weeks of paid leave to sit with your little floor‑dancer in the NICU—without needing to jump through hoops, thanks to the latest rights.

What should employers do now?

Getting Ready for Neonatal Care Leave

Hey employers, the new neonatal care leave rules are coming, and you’ll want to hit the ground running. It’s all about making sure your team knows their rights—and no one is left tangled in paperwork.

1⃣ Draft a Clear and Simple Policy
- Who gets the leave? Pin down eligibility: full‑time, part‑time, contractors, etc.
- When does it kick in? Start dates, maximum duration, and how it ties into your existing benefits.
- Notice rules – give folks a heads‑up window (e.g., “mention your leave at least two weeks in advance”).
2⃣ Decide on Enhanced Pay or Not?

Statutory pay isn’t always enough. If you already offer generous family packages, consider topping up the neonatal leave period—just let the rest of the team know.

3⃣ Align Your Policy with the New Law

Go through any old leave plans and dial them up to the statutory minimum. A quick audit and an update will keep you compliant.

4⃣ Spread the Word

Don’t let employees guess what’s going on. Board a meeting, send an email, or drop a newsletter. Explain the steps to apply, the right to keep their employment terms, and the fact that pay stops for the leave period.

5⃣ Train Your Managers

Managers are the frontline. Teach them how to handle applications with empathy, keep those “no detriment” rules in mind, and be ready for the emotional rollercoaster parents may face.

6⃣ Keep a Pulse on Additional Government Guidance

The Ministry’s full guidance is still under construction. Stay tuned—once it drops, update your policy and your communications accordingly.

7⃣ Look Beyond the Leave Period

When the baby returns home, that little one may still need specialist care. Offer flexible working patterns (shift swaps, remote days) to help parents juggle. Also, shout out any well‑being initiatives or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) you’ve got. Nobody should feel like they’re navigating a medical maze alone.

Get Support From These Charities
- The Smallest Things Charity: a bright spark for families facing neonatal care.
- Bliss Charity: hope and support for newborn families.
- Working Families: practical help and community for working parents.
Cheers to making life smoother for your newest parents. Their little bundle will be thriving, and your team will feel the difference too!
2025-09-26
Can My Teenager Refuse Mental Health Treatment? A Parent's Guide – Health Cages
Introduction

Navigating a teenager’s mental health journey can be daunting for any parent. When faced with the challenge of convincing a resistant adolescent to seek professional help, questions arise: “Can my teenager refuse mental health treatment?” Understanding their rights and available options becomes crucial. In this guide, we delve into the complexities of adolescent mental health treatment, exploring indicators that may warrant compelling a teenager into treatment, strategies for initiating conversations about therapy, and the potential benefits of interventions. Whether you’re grappling with concerns about your teenager’s mental well-being or seeking ways to support their healing process, this resource aims to provide insight and guidance on the path to recovery.

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These topics will covered in this blog:

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Can Mental Health Treatment be Declined by Teenagers?

When a teenager grapples with a mental health disorder, parents naturally seek professional care promptly. Yet, not all adolescents may consent to this plan. This leads parents to ask, “Can a teenager refuse mental health treatment?” The answer varies, contingent on the state’s laws. Certain states mandate minor consent for entering treatment programs.

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However, in cases where a teenager poses a clear danger to themselves or others due to a mental health crisis, they can be compelled into emergency treatment, such as a brief stay in a psychiatric hospital or ward, typically lasting about 72 hours. The aim is to stabilize the individual for safety while devising a continued treatment plan in a residential or outpatient setting.

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Parents might persuade their teenager to attend therapy sessions, though therapists may be wary of working with resistant teenagers unwilling to engage in therapy’s demands unless appointed by a court. Parents may also convince their teenager to participate in outpatient or residential programs, with success hinging on the child’s willingness to open up and participate, along with the therapists’ experience in handling initially reluctant teenagers.

Indicators That Warrant Compelling a Teenager Into Mental Health Treatment

Adolescents are known for experiencing mood swings due to hormonal changes and the trials of adolescence. However, certain symptoms may indicate a teenager requires specialized treatment from mental health experts. These indicators include:

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- Continuous feelings of despair and hopelessness
- Suicidal ideation or behaviors
- Persistent anxiety
- Episodes of panic attacks
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Fluctuating moods, from profound depression to manic euphoria
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Academic underachievement
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships with peers and family members
- Engaging in irrational or violent behavior
- Disrupted sleep patterns, either excessive or insufficient
- Alterations in weight or eating habits
- Resorting to alcohol or drugs to alleviate mental health symptoms
Conversations with Your Teenager Regarding Entering Treatment

While teenagers may have the right to refuse mental health treatment in certain circumstances, parents can still take proactive steps to persuade them of the benefits. Initiate discussions with your child in a calm setting, emphasizing treatment as a constructive solution rather than a punishment. Conduct thorough research beforehand to familiarize yourself with available options, alleviating any misconceptions they may hold about therapy, outpatient programs, or residential facilities. Encourage open dialogue where your child can express their fears and concerns.

Offer the opportunity for family therapy sessions to ensure everyone understands the treatment process and can collaborate effectively. Address any apprehensions your teenager may have about prescription medications, reassuring them that finding the right medication can involve trial and error, with temporary side effects.

For teenagers experiencing symptoms of mental illnesses like schizophrenia or personality disorders, navigating paranoia can present additional challenges in accepting treatment. In such cases, seeking guidance from a therapist can aid parents in developing effective strategies for approaching their child about treatment.

Is Intervention Beneficial in Seeking Treatment?

While most are familiar with interventions for severe addiction, they are also valuable for individuals struggling with mental illness, impairing their ability to lead fulfilling lives. Led by a family member or a professional interventionist, these gatherings aim to persuade the individual to seek immediate professional help.

Teenagers, known for their stubbornness, may initially resist such efforts. However, interventions can illuminate the severity of their condition and the available treatment options. Moreover, they underscore the love and support of their family, emphasizing the collective desire to aid in their healing and enable them to reach their fullest potential.

Locate Teen Mental Health Treatment in Atlanta

Are you a concerned parent noticing signs of mental health issues in your teenager? Do you find it challenging to convince them to seek help? Many parents wonder, “Can my teenager reject mental health treatment?” While the answer varies, certain programs excel in engaging resistant teenagers.

At New View Wellness in Atlanta, we specialize in adolescent mental health programs. Our offerings include Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Programming and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs. Our team is skilled in communicating with young individuals, fostering their willingness to participate in healing.

If you’re seeking solutions to encourage your child to engage in therapy and begin their journey toward recovery, visit our admissions page today. Let’s explore strategies together to facilitate your child’s involvement in therapy sessions and their path to healing.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve learned that while teenagers have the right to refuse mental health treatment in some cases, there are ways for parents to help them understand the importance of seeking help. We discussed indicators that may suggest a teenager needs professional treatment, strategies for talking to them about therapy, and the potential benefits of interventions. By initiating calm discussions, offering support, and exploring available options, parents can play a vital role in guiding their teenagers toward mental health recovery. Remember, seeking help is a positive step towards healing and reaching one’s full potential.

FAQS

Q1. What to do if someone is mentally unstable and won’t get help?

A1. If you’re concerned about someone’s immediate safety but they won’t seek help, you can reach out to local social services. They can arrange an assessment to determine the best course of action. You can usually find the contact information for social services on your local council’s website.

Q2. At what age do teenage mood swings stop?

A2. Teenage hormones typically kick in between ages 10 and 13, causing physical and emotional changes. These changes continue until the early 20s. For girls, higher levels of estrogen during puberty can increase the risk of depression.

Q3. What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

A3. A borderline personality disorder is considered one of the most challenging mental illnesses. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with intense and fluctuating emotions, making it difficult to cope with daily life.

Q4. Can a mentally unstable person be cured?

A4. Treatment for mental illness usually involves a combination of medication and therapy. While most mental illnesses cannot be cured completely, they can typically be managed effectively to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Q5. What is the most curable mental illness?

A5. Anxiety disorder is considered one of the most treatable mental illnesses. With proper treatment, including therapy and sometimes medication, symptoms of anxiety disorder can be significantly reduced, allowing individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.

For deeper insights into mental health, explore our blog for comprehensive information and guidance:
2025-09-26
Meta and Anthropic Celebrate Winning Verdicts in Key US AI Copyright Cases

The two companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence race won two key verdicts from US courts this week regarding whether they can train on copyrighted books.

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Leading tech companies won a few verdicts this week in US artificial intelligence (AI) copyright lawsuits.
Federal judges sided with Facebook parent Meta Platforms and AI company Anthropic in two separate verdicts.

The case against Meta was brought by a group of authors who accused the company of stealing their works to train its AI technology. The Anthropic case decided that the company’s AI Claude didn’t break copyright rules by training on millions of copyrighted books.
US District Judge Vince Chhabria found that the 13 authors who sued Meta “made the wrong arguments,” so the case got thrown out – but that doesn’t mean the use of copyright materials is lawful.

Related

Disney and Universal sue AI firm Midjourney for copyright infringement

In his 40-page ruling, Chhabria repeatedly said Meta and other AI companies have turned into serial copyright infringers as they train their technology on books and other works created by humans.
“This ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful,” Chhabria wrote.

Earlier this week, US District Judge William Alsup ruled that Anthropic didn’t break the law but the company must still go to trial because it obtained those books from pirate websites instead of buying them.

Related

More than 400 artists send letter to Trump over AI companies exploiting copyrighted works

But the actual process of an AI system distilling from thousands of written works to be able to produce its own passages of text qualified as “fair use” under US copyright law because it was “quintessentially transformative,” Alsup wrote.
Books are important sources of data needed to build large language models.

In the race to outdo each other in developing the most advanced AI chatbots, a number of tech companies have turned to online repositories of stolen books that they can get for free.

2025-08-27
Malifornia’s Millennial Exodus: Millions Are Leaving the State in Record Numbers
California’s Migration Meltdown: Who’s Boogeying Out?

Hold on tight, folks—California’s outbound numbers just hit follow‑the‑money‑march levels. According to StorageCafe’s latest scoop, a whopping nearly 683,000 residents decided to ditch the Golden State in a single calendar year. Yes, you read that right: that’s almost three whole cities worth of Californians heading out the door.

Texas: The Deal‑Maker of Destinations
- Large State, Large Influx: ≈98,000 Californians landed in Texas in 2023 alone.
- Why the T‑Shirt State? The endless parking, lower taxes, and that irresistible “Good‑Ol′ Texas” vibe seem to be the golden ticket.
- Don’t forget the cowboy hats—7 miles of—
What’s Driving the Exodus?

It’s a mix of cost of living, housing pressures, and that ever‑present call of a new scene. Some say the state’s wild wildfire raids, tax hikes, or simply the lure of a cooler breeze beyond SoCal’s endless sun are all factors in the mass migration.

A Quick Look at the Numbers
- California outbound: ≈683,000 residents in 2023.
- Texas: ≈98,000 welcome‑back from the Golden State.
Bottom line? California is losing more leases than it’s signing. And Texas is cashing in, one chilled‑out former Californian at a time.

Texas on the Rise: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Moving West

It turns out that the next grand adventure for many young Americans isn’t a beach getaway or a fancy office – it’s a move from California’s Golden State to Texas’s spacious closet. According to fresh data, 31 % of all movers are Millennials, followed by Gen Zers at 20 % and Gen Xers at about 15 %. And guess what? California‑born Cal‑jobs folks are already cashing in. Most age groups earn higher than the national average once they uproot, proving that the Texas dream isn’t just a story, it’s a pay‑check upgrade.

U‑Haul and StorageCafe Confirm the Trend
- U‑Haul’s latest report shows California topping its Growth Index for the fifth consecutive year – more one‑way trucks leave California than any other state in 2024.
- Texas steals the spotlight as the go‑to destination, confirming that the “West” is swapping “Gold” for “Gains.”
Businesses Are Packing Their Bags

Big‑name companies like Chevron, SpaceX, and Charles Schwab have officially sworn off the state. Since 2018, a total of 441 businesses have shifted their headquarters out of California. The main culprits? High taxes, soaring rent, ballooning cost‑of‑living for employees, and a maze of red tape. Once again, Texas emerges as the rescue destination.

School System Blues: Enrollment Is Sliding
- At the California Policy Center, 45 of 58 counties saw TPS (Traditional Public School) enrollment dip over the past decade.
- Statewide enrollment fell by more than 612,000 students.
- Even with transitional kindergarten boosting numbers, K‑12 enrollment has dropped by an additional 762,000 since 2015.
When Law and Family Rights Clash

California’s newest laws spark heated debate. AB 1955, signed into law by Gov. Newsom in 2024, prohibits school districts from sharing with parents any info about a child’s gender choice unless the child consents. It’s a unique move – no other state has enacted such strict privacy rules. The SAFETY Act explicitly bans schools from feeding out any data on a pupil’s sexual orientation or gender expression without parental permission.

AB 495, the “Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025,” pushes a heavy shield over immigrant families and wants to shield them from sudden separations due to legal action. Critics say it slurps parental rights into a loophole that could only help child traffickers and kidnappers. Attorney Erin Friday, president of Our Duty‑USA, calls AB 495 “a child trafficker’s and kidnapper’s dream bill.” She points out the lack of background checks, welfare reviews, or court oversight. “Just a paper and an ID,” she says, “and a child can walk away.”

High School Chaos: A Story About a Unexpected Speaker

Sage Creek High in Carlsbad welcomed a speaker from DAP Health – a clinic that offers gender‑transition surgeries. The guest, Mita Beach, also happens to promote BDSM workshops. Parents, after scouring his pages, voiced strong concerns. Their complaint? The speaker was invited to a lunchtime event open to all, raising eyebrows about the content and the sponsor’s background.

Private Choice in California: A Puddle of Hope

AB 84 threatens to redirect millions from charter schools to heavy oversight. This would hurt programs like hybrid learning, homeschooling, and independent study. The conversation around the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) is another point where California is left on the sidelines. Launched by President Trump in 2027, it offers a tax credit to private schools if parents donate to recognized scholarship grants. States can opt out – and with the California Teachers Association riding the pension train, the state won’t allow parents to participate.

College Antisemitism: UC Davis Under the Microscope

UC Davis, home to 40,000 students, sparked stormy headlines after allegations of a hostile anti‑Jewish climate was filed with the Department of Education. After a formal complaint, another group ranked Davis as “most anti‑Jewish” in 2023, giving it an F grade.

From “Hotel California” to a New Horizon

When Don Henley crooned “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave,” that pun was probably talking about the concept of home. Today, folks are actually walking out, and the place they’re heading is Texas. The state isn’t just a new backdrop; it’s a fresh start with higher pay, lower taxes, and a different set of rules. Whether it’s corporate giants or young families, the wave is undeniable – people are leaving the “golden” and landing on the “great” Texas.
2025-08-26
New Right to Neonatal Care Leave: What Businesses Need to Know

Businesses must prepare for a significant new workplace entitlement where a baby is born on or after 6 April 2025 – neonatal care leave. Currently, 1 in 7 babies in the UK requires neonatal care due to premature birth, low birth weight, or complications.

Until now, parents in this situation have had to rely on maternity, paternity, or unpaid leave, often adding financial strain to an already stressful time.
The new law changes this, giving employees a day-one right to take up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave if their baby is admitted to hospital for at least seven consecutive days in their first month of life. Some employees will also qualify for statutory neonatal care pay (SNCP), which businesses will be responsible for administering.
This change requires businesses to review their policies and processes. With around 60,000 parents expected to benefit from the new right, employers should act now to ensure they are ready for the its legal and practical implications.

So, what do businesses need to know—and how can they prepare?

What is neonatal care leave, and who is eligible for it?
It is a day-one right for employees to take neonatal care leave where a neonate, (a baby who is 28 days old or less) is admitted to hospital for care for seven continuous days or more. This right applies to each parent separately. Neonatal care is:

Medical care received in a hospital.
Medical care under the direction of a consultant after the child leaves hospital which includes ongoing monitoring and visits from healthcare professionals arranged by the hospital.
Palliative or end-of-life care.

The right is in addition to maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave.

Statutory neonatal care pay (SNCP) may be payable if the employee has at least 26 weeks of continuous service and earns an average of at least £123 a week. SNCP will be £187.18 a week.
“Parent” has a wide meaning and includes the child’s parent, prospective adopter or intended parent (as in a surrogacy arrangement). It also includes the partner of the child’s mother or prospective adopter where they are living together in “an enduring family relationship”.
Parents can take up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave (which may be paid) with a minimum entitlement of one week. It is provided from the day the newborn is admitted to a neonatal unit. It can be taken at any point during the first 68 weeks following the baby’s birth or adoption placement. A parent is already likely to be on family leave, such as maternity leave, when neonatal care leave is needed, and the new right effectively means that a period of neonatal care leave is added to the end of maternity leave.
There are two different periods of neonatal care leave. The Tier 1 period begins on the day the child starts receiving neonatal care and ends seven days after the day neonatal care ends. Neonatal care leave can be taken in non-continuous blocks of at least one week during Tier 1. The remainder of the 68 weeks is called the Tier 2 period, and neonatal care leave must be taken in one continuous block.
The notice varies depending on whether it is Tier 1 or Tier 2 (with reduced notice for Tier 1), but the employer and employee can mutually agree to waive the notice requirements.

What should employers do now?

Employers need to prepare for the introduction of neonatal care leave, both in terms of policy implementation and internal processes and will need to:

Prepare a neonatal care leave policy that includes details of who is eligible, when the right applies, and notice requirements.
Decide whether or not to enhance the statutory right, for example, by paying more than SNCP for a specified period. Businesses already providing enhanced contractual family rights may be prepared to do this.
Review and update any existing neonatal care leave policy to meet the minimum statutory entitlements.
Inform employees about the new policy (or any updates to an existing policy) and ensure that employees understand the process for taking neonatal care leave.
Train managers in dealing with neonatal care leave applications and supporting the employee at a stressful time.
Be aware that, as with other types of family leave, employees will continue to benefit from their terms and conditions of employment except for pay. There will also be protection from detriment and unfair dismissal.
Look out for the detailed Government guidance, which is still to be published.

Finally, even after neonatal care has ended, the child may need ongoing medical treatment which will be another stressful time for the parent. Employers should consider whether more flexible working patterns would be helpful and should publicise any well-being initiatives and EAPs.
Below are details of charities which support families with newborns receiving neonatal care.
The Smallest Things Charity: The Smallest Things
Bliss Charity: Bliss
Working Families: Working Families

2023-08-06