What is the duration of secondary caregiver leave (SCL)?

The duration of secondary caregiver leave (SCL) is established at two weeks. This policy allows eligible service members the opportunity to take time off to support their partner during the postpartum period and to bond with their new child. It's important for the leave to be utilized in a timely manner, typically taken within the first year of the child's birth or placement in the family. This leave is structured to facilitate a healthy transition into parenthood, allowing the secondary caregiver to assist in caregiving tasks while also continuing to support their primary partner workload.