New Parent Leave helping families grow — together

Celebrating a new addition to the family is always a joyous occasion, but for two state employees the recent births of new children proved to be just a bit more special thanks to the state’s New Parent Leave (NPL) policy that took effect Jan. 1. The program was enacted via an executive order from Gov. Eric Holcomb late last year and allows full time state employees (in permanent positions) to take up to 150 hours of paid leave to celebrate a new birth or adoption. Uniquely, part-time employees may also be approved for up to 75 hours of leave. In both cases, workers must have accrued at least six months of uninterrupted employment with the state. The goal, the governor said, is creating stronger families – without the worry of job loss or the stress of wondering how to pay the bills that could accompany unpaid childcare leave. That paid time away from work, as anyone who has taken it is likely to say, is priceless.

“I got to learn the ropes of becoming a new parent and the fun, joy and stress of raising a newborn,” reflected Ashley Jones, a family case manager supervisor for the Indiana Department of Child Services, on the birth of her first child, Raylan (pictured right). “We spent most of our time at home, getting to know each other and getting on a schedule. We did begin to venture out into the world so he would get used to being out in the community for shopping trips, dinner and spending time with other family members.” Read the full article on Employee Central >> You can also read the full article in this month's newsletter.

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Here at the Indiana State Personnel Department, we're happy to bring you The Torch newsletter each month. We are always looking to tell great stories about the wonderful state employees we have throughout Indiana. 

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We'd like you to send us some ideas too! To submit an idea for a story featured on Employee Central or in The Torch, email the INSPD Communications Staff.

Registration now open for the 2018 5k and Hike Series!

Welcome to year three of the Run The State 5k & Hike Series. Invest In Your Health Indiana, your employee wellness program, is happy to present three 5k races and two hike events in 2018 for employees and family members.

REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE for all events. The schedule kicks off April 28 at Indiana Dunes State Park!

Learn more and see the full schedule at www.investinyourhealthindiana.com/5k

Download the complete issue of The Torch

You can download the state employee newsletter from the State Personnel website or intranet.

• Download April Issue

In this issue:

• New Parent Leave Helping Families Grow -- Together (pg. 1-3)
• Oakland City University discount (pg. 4)
• Public Health Open House event (pg. 4)
• INPRS Presents: Money Talks (pg. 5)
• Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar (pg. 5)
• Tips from the IRS to avoid tax scams (pg. 6)
• On My Way Pre-K program expansion (pg. 7)
• INDOT 'Trash Bash!' ushers in spring cleaning (pg. 8)
• Join the State of Indiana 500 Festival team! (pg. 8)

Page 9

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States, during which organizations raise awareness about sexual violence and how to prevent it. Read full article >

• Complete your Go365 Health Assessment (pg. 10)
• Revoking your Tobacco Agreement (pg. 10)
• Registration open for Run the State series (pg. 11)
• New policy regarding Dependent Eligibility Verification Audits (pg. 12)
• Indiana MoneyWise spring e-magazine is live (pg. 12)
• Education in Early Indiana now open at the Indiana Archives (pg. 12)

Miss an issue? Archived issues of The Torch are available at www.in.gov/spd/2540.htm.lder text.

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The Torch is published monthly by the State Personnel Department