The Family Advocacy Program is a Department of Defense initiative
for the prevention, education, intervention and treatment of child physical and
emotional abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and spouse abuse. Overall
direction and responsibility for the program rests with the Commanding Officer
of NAS Fallon.
Family Advocacy cases are usually complex and may involve
the coordination and intervention of several agencies. The Family Advocacy
Committee, which consists of representatives from both Navy and civilian
agencies and departments, recommends policy and procedures to the CO so that
cases are responded to professionally and timely. The committee meets quarterly
and reviews statistics, trends and agency interactions. It makes recommendations
to the CO, NASF to improve the delivery of services to families. It does not
review individual cases.
The Family advocacy representative (FAR) is a
social worker assigned to the Fleet and Family Support Center. The FAR's
responsibility includes overseeing the assessment, tracking and treatment of
Family Advocacy cases. The FAR works closely with other Navy and civilian
professionals to ensure that victims are protected and that each family member
is safe from further harm.
After an investigation is completed, each case
is taken to the Family Advocacy Case Review Committee (CRC) for review. The CRC
is chaired by a medical officer and consists of the FAR, Mental Health Provider,
Command Judge Advocate personnel. The CRC meets once a month to review new
Family Advocacy cases. It is the CRC's responsibility to decide if abuse
occurred, and if so, recommend an intervention plan to the service member's
commanding officer.
The Family Advocacy Program offers treatment to
families who are considered to be quality performers and are of value to the
Navy. It does not exempt a service member form legal charges, but may be used as
a diversionary program. Counseling is aimed at restoring family
harmony.
Click on Contacts/Links for additional assistance and
information.