The Army Community Service, Soldier and Family
Readiness Program offers the New Parent Support Program and Family
Education and support programs for parents. The FAP program is
dedicated to providing innovative and edcuational workshops for parents of new
borns and parenting in general. they also conduct "playgroups" which
gives children up to age 5 an opportunity to meet with their age group in
creative play and social fun. It's also a great way for parent/s to
meet with other parents of the same age group.
Fort Knox has an
outstanding Child & Youth Services, School Age Services, Outreach Services
and the School Liaison services, which all provide and focus on the welfare of
our community youth. They offer many social and development programs
for youth up to teens.
Ireland Army Community Hospital
also has an Exceptional Family Member program which focuses on screening of
family members for overseas assignments.
Fort Knox's Guidance on the
Supervision of Children:
SUPERVISION OF CHILDREN:
The safety and
well being of children in our military community is the responsibility of every
adult member of this command. Our children should be given the
opportunity to grow and learn in a safe atmosphere free of
fear. Soldiers, civilians, and family members must be alert to any
action or situation that endangers the security of minors.
Commanders
will ensure that Soldiers receive unit briefings on the FAP and timely
counseling regarding legal and moral ramifications of abuse or neglect and make
referrals as appropriate. The FAP offers the Army Community Unit
Trainers Course for unit representatives. The course offers updated
information in the dynamics of child and spouse abuse as well as all the
resources available from ACS to help Soldiers and their
families. Contact the FAP Education Coordinator at 624-6291/8391, for
additional information.
During the parental duty hours primarily
Monday-Friday, 0600-1800, there continues to be a high number of incidents
regarding children being left unattended and unsupervised in housing areas,
quarters, and post facilities. Due to this concern, the following
policy and guidelines are established:
Children In Grades 5 and
Younger:
Children in grades 5 and younger require
supervision. Such supervision may be provided by their parents, other
adults, or in some instances, children who are at least 12 years of
age. They will not be left unsupervised in quarters at any time, nor
will they be left under the supervision of other children for extended
periods. Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure the person
providing the care has been trained in infant/child CPR, Basic First Aid, and
proper care giving techniques. The American Red Cross (624-2163)
provides training for baby sitters providing care in the child's
home.
Vehicular Safety: Children in grades 5 and below will
not be left unattended for any period in a vehicle. Kentucky law and
Fort Knox requires that children fewer than 40 inches in height must be secured
in a child's protective driving seat when riding in a privately-owned
vehicle. It is also mandatory that all Soldiers and family members
wear seat belts.
Children in Grades 6 and Older: Supervision
of children in grades 6 and older will be based on their
maturity. Children will not be allowed to damage or destroy personal
or government property, garden plots, yards, or buildings. Invasions
of privacy and acts of vandalism will not be condoned in
quarters. Children 15 years and under will not be left alone
overnight without adult supervision.
Post Facilities and Outside
Areas:
Post Facilities (i.e., PX, Commissary, Library, Craft Shops, etc.) are
intended to provide goods and services for a better quality of life for our
Soldiers and families. Post facilities are not intended to become
places for parents to leave children unattended and unsupervised for extended
periods. Parents will ensure that children use post facilities only
for legitimate purposes and conduct themselves in a courteous manner.
At
all times, but especially during the summer months, and school intercessions,
parents will ensure the health and safety of their children by providing
appropriate supervision in playground areas and outside. Playing in
the streets is prohibited.
These guidelines are set in an effort to
protect our children residing on post. Every Soldier, employee, and
member of the military community should report information about known and
suspected child abuse to Social Work Service (624-9533), Army Community Service
(624-6291), or Military Police (624-2111). Child and Youth
Services (624-6703) is available to assist parents in finding suitable
childcare. The Military Police will monitor compliance with these
guidelines. For further information, contact one of the above
mentioned
agencies
Working on Fort Knox and residing in post quarters are privileges that also
carry important responsibilities, including reporting suspected incidents of
child abuse and neglect as well as supervising and training our children to
ensure their safety.