In my years of relocating expats across the world, I have come to the conclusion that very little is done (if anything at all) in settling the spouses/partners/children into the new environment. The working expat who relocates generally finds friends within the work environment, whereas the spouse/partner is out on a limb. Often, this results in stress within the family, ill health, and depression. Sometimes the unhappiness in the home spills into the work, and the earning member resigns and returns to home grounds. In different scenarios, there is a separation, or the spouse/partner returns to their own country, and the working partner commutes during the holidays.
Assisting Spouses and Families in Relocation
My suggestion has always been that if the spouse/partner and children are assisted in the settling-in process (which often takes up to 18 months!), then the company has a well-adjusted, happy employee. Trust me, it is worth the effort. I know exactly how it feels to arrive in a new country at a total loss as to where the supermarkets are, which day is garbage collection, where one can find a child-friendly periodontist, etc. Yes, you can look at the yellow pages, but a personal recommendation and escorting a timid (often someone who doesn't even know the language) spouse/partner makes all the difference.
I have lived and worked in 13 countries, and my personal experiences help me make relocation a 'happy' situation for the company and the expatriate.
Regards