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 Lemoore.
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,
NASL 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, Psychiatrist, a Line Officer, Station Judge Advocate, counselors and
investigative personnel. The CRC meets twice a month to review all
new Family Advocacy cases. It is the CRC's responsibility to decide
if abuse occurred, and if so, recommend a plan of action to the servicemember'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 servicemember from legal charges, but may be used as
a diversionary program. Counseling is aimed at restoring family
harmony.
For more information about the Family Adocacy Program click on
Contacts/Links.