ABSTRACT
This chapter describes organizational and governmental initiatives in the United States (US) that may assist employees who have responsibilities for the care of children, elders, or other family members. It chronicles the history of employer and governmental responses to employees' family care responsibilities in the US. The chapter also describes the range, prevalence and utilization of workplace-based supports in the US. It highlights employers' voluntary responses to their employees' family-related needs, although government-mandated benefits, where relevant, are also indicated. The chapter discusses additional key US governmental initiatives. Employee benefits, as provided in the US, have two primary purposes. The first is to provide income security by ensuring against loss of income should the wage earner die, become disabled, or voluntarily retire. The second is to raise the standard of living through the provision of certain vital services, such as medical care.
