FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon to Fri
Location Directions: Hainerberg Bldg 7790 and Bldg 7780 Hainerberg Housing Area
Phone: DSN: 314-335-5254 CIV: +49 (0) 0611-4080-254
ICE Link: http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=card&service_provider_id=3735&site_id=87
The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides support and solutions for successful Army living through focusing attention on family life and the needs of spouses, children, and Soldiers. FAP promotes public awareness within the community to prevent spouse and child abuse. Services provided under FAP include the New Parent Support Program, Emergency Placement Care, Respite Care, Victim Advocacy, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.
FAP PREVENTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
The prevention programs include, but are not limited to:
COMMAND BRIEFINGS: Family Advocacy Program offers individual briefings to Commanders and 1st Sergeants within 45 days of change of command.
TROOP TRAINING: Offered to units/troops upon request and as required annually according to the Army Regulation 608-18. The training focuses on the following:
· Overview of Family Advocacy Program
· Community resources in the USAG-Wiesbaden
· Definitions of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
· Reporting Procedures and Options
· Transitional Compensation
TRAINING FOR CHILD AND YOUTH SERVICES PERSONNEL: Offered monthly or as requested. Training focuses on:
- Child abuse prevention and education
- Early identification of child abuse
- The reporting procedures of suspected child abuse.
SAFETY EDUCATION: This training is provided to DoDDS supported activities to prevent child abuse and can be coordinated with the other agencies if requested.
EMERGENCY PLACEMENT CARE: Emergency Placement Care (EPC) is a voluntary or court mandated service providing 24-hour care in an EPC family home for children who cannot be cared for by their natural family or legal guardian.
FAP RESPITE CARE: It is utilized as a preventive measure in potentially abusive situations. The intent is to relieve parents from stressful child-rearing situations, help stabilize families and facilitate treatment for both parents and children.
AWARENESS AND PREVENTION ACTIVITIES: Special community
events are held in April for Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault
Awareness and Prevention and in October for
Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention.
CLASSES OFFERED THROUGH FAP INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
STRESS MANAGEMENT CLASS: The class offers guidance in developing individual personal stress reduction and management skills.
ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASS: The objective of the class is for attendees to view anger from a new perspective, and to develop skills to handle anger more effectively.
COUPLE’S COMMUNICATION: This class offers support and education to parents and couples and it provides a healthy approach to parenting without anger, threats or power struggles. Participants learn new problem solving skills as well as the importance of recognizing effective communication techniques.
PARENT EDUCATION: These classes are designed to increase parents' ability to identify and plan for the challenges and difficulties involved in caring for children. Parents learn to recognize appropriate parental expectations of infants and children based upon a better understanding of developmental stages. Parents are also taught the use of appropriate coping techniques for dealing with the stresses of parenting. Issues such as family dynamics (blended families, single parent families and dual-military families), communication, and behavior are also discussed.
TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES: Call Army Community Service at DSN: 335-5254/234 or CIVILIAN: 0611-4080-234
OTHER SERVICES:
TANSITIONAL COMPENSATION for Abused Dependents
FAP will provide assistance to apply for Transitional Compensation, which is defined as financial compensation and other benefits to assist Family members when the Service member is separated from active duty as a result of a court-martial or administrative action or is sentenced to total forfeiture of all pay and allowances for a dependent-abuse offense (child or spouse abuse). Benefits include:
- Financial assistance
- TRICARE,
- Dental,
- Commissary and PX privileges.
TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE
Please call the Military Police at:
Civilian: 0611-705-5096
DSN: 337-5096 or 114
NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (NPSP)
New Parent Support Program provides Home Visits on a voluntary basis to families with children up to age three. Parenting support is individually tailored to each family's needs. Each visit is designed to increase the parents' ability to identify and plan for the challenges and difficulties involved in caring for infants and young children. Parents learn to recognize appropriate parental expectations of infants and children based upon a better understanding of developmental stages. Parents are also taught the use of appropriate coping techniques for dealing with the stresses of parenting. Issues such as family dynamics (blended families, single parent families, dual military families), communication, and behavior are also discussed. Parent education is provided as a means to strengthen the bond between parents and children.
What if I already have
children?
You
don't have to be a NEW parent to participate in the program! ID card holders
that are expecting a child or have children through the age of three years are
eligible for NPSP services. Family Advocacy offers classes to parents with
children of all ages.
What can NPSP do for me?
Home
Visitation: Our professional staff provides supportive and caring services to
families that are pregnant, or with children through the age of three years.
They can talk about your concerns as a parent or parent-to-be, and help you
learn to cope with stress, isolation, post deployment reunions, and the
everyday demands of parenthood in the privacy of your home.
Play groups and Classes
Play Mornings: Meets every Thursday from 10:00 - 11:30 Play Morning is a play group for parents and children, twelve months to three years old. At Play Morning parents can meet and network with each other while learning about child development, parenting skills and age appropriate activities for their children to include, free play, art, and music.
Newborn Network: Meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00. Newborn Network is geared towards parents that have children up to twelve months old. At each meeting, parents will receive information related to parenting as well as socialize with other parents that have infants.
Baby Wearing: Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month from 11:00-12:00. Baby Wearing is a class where parents can learn various Baby Wearing techniques to include front and back carries for newborns and children up to two years old. Baby Wearing safety and education are also provided. This class is taught by community volunteers.
Daddy and Me Play Date: This play date is for dads and children, twelve months to three years old. At the play date dads can meet and network with each other while learning about child development, parenting skills and age appropriate activities for their children to include, free play, art, and music. Please call for scheduling information.
Empathetic Dad’s Program: Ever wish your spouse could feel what it's like to be pregnant? Well now he can! We have three empathy bellies and are looking for some brave soon-to-be dads to wear them 2-3 hours a day for 3-5 days. Call to set up an empathetic experience.
Mommy Daddy 101: Wiesbaden ACS, Bldg 7790,9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every 1st Tuesday of the month. This class is designed to increase parent's ability and understanding of labor and delivery, breast feeding, postpartum care, newborn care, and relaxation techniques.
TO CONTACT A NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM STAFF MEMBER
DSN: 335-5330/5331/5254/5234, Civilian: 0611-4080-330/331/234
VICTIM ADVOCACY
What is Victim Advocacy? Victim Advocacy is a voluntary service where advocates provide comprehensive assistance and liaison to and for victims of domestic violence and or sexual assault. The program works cooperatively with military and civilian resources to adequately meet the needs of victims. Victim Advocates are on call 24/7 to assist Soldiers and Family members who are in need of assistance due to domestic violence and or sexual assault and can be reached during duty hours at 0611-4080-234 or on the 24 hours/ 7 days a week at 01622-966-741.
The focus is to identify Soldiers and Family members who are involved in child abuse or neglect and/or spouse abuse.
Prevention: Emphasis is given on self-referral as the primary way a family gets the help it needs. The program concentrates on strengthening families and keeping them together, rather than on punishment. Family members are encouraged to seek help when they recognize warning signs indicating they may be mistreating their children or failing to communicate effectively with their spouses.
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPRP) reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability. Army policy promotes sensitive care and confidential reporting for victims of sexual assault and accountability for those who commit these crimes.
Sexual Assault Reporting Options:
A restricted report is confidential, meaning it does not trigger an investigation; you can report the assault to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), FAPM, Chaplain, and Military Healthcare providers (including FAP clinical social workers and their supervisors).
An unrestricted report can be reported to the Military Police who are the reporting point of contact for USAG Wiesbaden Garrison, the Chain of Command, Criminal Investigation Division, SARC, Victim Advocate (VA), Chaplain, and Military Healthcare providers.
Victim Advocacy Services Include but are not limited to:
Ø Information regarding rights of a victim
Ø Safety Planning
Ø Needs Assessments
Ø Coordination of emergency services; transportation, food, etc.
Ø Emergency relocation
Ø Assistance in the coordination of obtaining protection orders.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic Violence: An offense under the USC, the UCMJ, or state law that involves the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force or violence against a person or the violation of a lawful order issued for the protection of a person who is a current or former spouse; a person with whom the abuser shares a child in common, or a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared, a common domicile.
Key Strategies in the Prevention and Intervention of Child and Domestic Abuse:
Ø Prevent violence through the promotion of individual and Family wellness, through a diverse mix of programs and services.
Ø Provide early intervention that can prevent the need for intensive unit support through an understanding of the risk factors of abuse.
Ø Respond quickly to victims’ needs and provide for on-going victim safety and support.
Ø Hold offenders accountable, and ensure compliance and progress during treatment.
There Are Two Reporting Options for Victims of Domestic Violence/Abuse:
Restricted Reporting: A process allowing an adult victim of domestic abuse, who is eligible to receive military medical treatment, including civilians and contractors who are eligible to receive military healthcare outside the Continental United States on a reimbursable basis, the option of reporting an incident of domestic abuse to a specified individual without initiating the investigative process or notification to the victim’s or alleged offender’s commander.
Reported to:
Ø Victim Advocate
Ø Victim Advocate Supervisor (Family Advocacy Program Manager) Military
Ø Military Healthcare Providers (including FAP clinical social workers and their supervisors)
Not reported to:
Ø Offender
Ø Command
Ø Law enforcement
Unrestricted Reporting: A process allowing a victim of domestic abuse to report an incident using current reporting channels (e.g., chain of command, law enforcement or criminal investigative organization).
One Limitation of Restricted Reporting is: Victim cannot receive a Military Protective
Order (MPO).
Both Reporting Options provide you access to: medical care, counseling, and advocacy services. All services are voluntary so you make the choice that's right for you.
TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE
Please call the Military Police at:
Civilian: 0611-705-5096
DSN: 337-5096
114
Sexual Assault Hotline: Domestic Violence Response Hotline: 24 hours/ 7 days a week 24 hours/ 7 days a week
at 01622-966-741 at 01622-966-741
EMERGENCY PLACEMENT CARE
What is Emergency Placement Care?
Emergency placement care (EPC) is a voluntary or court mandated service providing 24-hour care in an EPC provider’s home for children who cannot be cared for by their natural family or legal guardian. The program is designed to provide short-term care, generally not to exceed 90 days, for families in crisis until the situation warranting the placement is resolved or long-term care or placement can be arranged. Emergency Placement Care is comparable to civilian foster care in the United States.
Who needs Emergency Placement Care?
Children requiring emergency placement care can range from infants to teenagers. They share the same basic needs as all children; however, they may require extra attention and care as they cope with the unexpected separation from their family.
While most children readily adapt to their new environment, some may become sullen and confused. To remedy this, children in placement will have access to counseling and other supportive services to help them cope with their feelings.
Who may become an Emergency Placement Care Provider?
EPC Providers must be over 21 years of age and be in good physical health. Providers must have adequate income to meet the needs of their own family as well as those of the child(ren) placed in their care. There must be adequate space in the home to comfortably accommodate the child(ren). Single parents, working parents, and childless couples are all welcome to participate.
What are EPC Providers Responsible for?
EPC Providers are responsible for the day to day care of the child(ren). It is expected they take an active interest in their physical needs, emotional well being, and school performance.
When a placement begins, if a child does not have all the items necessary for their proper care, there are resources available to obtain them.
Will I receive compensation as an EPC provider?
Currently the reimbursement rate for EPC providers is $35.00 per child, per day. However, since providers are not guaranteed to have regular placements enrollment as a primary source of income is not advisable.
What are the requirements of my home?
1. The home should not present any hazards to the safety of the child(ren).
2. A separate bedroom for the child(ren) is NOT required. However, the home should be comfortable and offer privacy to the child(ren).
3. Each child will be required to have his or her own bed.
4. Children of the opposite sex cannot share the same bedroom.
5. The home must be in a location that has ready access to schools, medical treatment, recreation, churches and other community resources.
I live in off-post housing. Am I eligible to become an EPC provider?
Yes. Individuals residing on and off-post are eligible to become EPC providers.
I want to become an EPC provider.
What steps do I take?
Contact the Wiesbaden ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at 0611-4080-234. The emergency placement care coordinator will contact you to set up an interview with you and/or your family. The coordinator will discuss the application process with you including:
Eligibility Criteria
Background Checks
Home Study
Evaluation Process
Training Requirements
This initial meeting will provide you the information needed to make an informed decision about becoming an EPC provider and if it is suitable for you and your family.
If you would like to make a difference in a child’s life, there is a need for you in this program.
The Wiesbaden Family Advocacy Program is in search of caring individuals who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to military children who require a little extra love and attention because their natural parents, or guardians, are temporarily unable to care for them. The program is designed to provide short term care for children of families in crisis. It is immensely rewarding to be able to make a difference in a child’s life by offering unconditional love and support during a difficult period of their life. If you are interested in becoming an EPC Provider please contact the EPC Coordinator at 0611-408-0234. (Click here to download an application form)
