The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) recognizes the special needs of military families. The program's goal is the prevention of child and spouse maltreatment through the provisions of prevention, education and awareness services. To accomplish this, the Family Advocacy Program offers many services to aid soldiers and their family members in maintaining the integrity of the family unit: emergency shelter, emergency transportation, emergency child care, respite care, domestic violence prevention education, Outreach/Home Visits, referrals to community based programs, crisis intervention and public education. The program works cooperatively with medical treatment facilities, other supportive service organizations and unit commanders in order to accomplish its goals.
FAP works with individuals and families to strengthen family relationships and prevent child and spouse maltreatment. The program is dedicated to enhancing individual coping skills and alleviate the underlying causes of stress associated with family violence. FAP provides preventive education services which restore and maintain a healthy environment, while reporting and treatment are provided through Social Work Services.
Some of the services available through ACS FAP are:
EMERGENCY SHELTER: FAP provides a safe environment for family members who are at risk for family violence. Shelter is provided until a plan can be arranged by the client and SWS. The length of stay varies with each individual case.
EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION: When all other resources fail and a bonafide need exists, transportation (in the form of taxi service) can be made available to military families.
EMERGENCY RESPITE CARE: As a preventive measure in potentially abusive situations, to give parents a break from a stressful child-rearing situations, or to facilitate treatment, child care can be provided to military families for a limited period.
NEW PARENT SUPPORT "PLAY-GROUP": Provides a comprehensive combination of services before and after a child's birth. Services include intensive home visiting, parent education, support groups, support for single parents, lactation support, grief support due to miscarriage, teen pregnancy support and education, supervised playgroups for infants and toddlers, and information and referral to military and civilian resources.
VICTIM ADVOCACY: Provides comprehensive assistance and support to victims of spouse abuse, including crisis intervention, assistance in securing medical treatment for injuries, information on legal rights and proceedings, and referral to military and civilian shelters and other resources available to victims.
WORKSHOPS/CLASSES: FAP provides a wide range of classes designed to enhance interpersonal skills. These are offered on a regular basis, and include:
Command Education, Domestic Violence Prevention, Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention, Child Safety, Stress Management, Change Management, Stop Anger and Violence Escalation, Parenting, Couples Communication, Family Dynamics, Effective Discipline, and Transparenting.