Family Advocacy Program is located at the Integrated Support
Command, Portsmouth, VA and can be reached at 1-800-872-4957 Ext
305.
Family violence, child or spouse abuse, and child neglect are
serious problems. The Coast Guard does not consider them to be
private family matters.
The purpose of the Family Advocacy Program is
prevention, intervention and treatment. The goal of the program is
successful rehabilitation of families and retention of the member.
To use
the Family Advocacy Program, contact your unit's Family Advocacy Specialist
(FAS). This person keeps track of local community resources where
service members and dependents may obtain professional help. The FAS
will refer you to the nearest Family Program Administrator or appropriate Human
Services agency.
Department of Transportation(DOT) civilians are also
encouraged to seek assistance through the Family Program
Specialist(FAS).
FAMILY ADVOCACY SPECIALIST (FPS)
The FPS can
provide information and assistance in the following areas:
- Family
Advocacy (child and spouse abuse and child neglect)
- Untreated victims
of past or recent violence or sexual abuse.
- Persons who feel they are
at risk of becoming abusive.
- Anyone who has thoughts of committing
suicide or has a family member who has threatened suicide.
- Commands
interested in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
Your Family Program
Administrator (FPA) is a human resources professional trained to deal with
family violence, crisis intervention and arrangements for victims, abusers, and
other family members.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
What is Post-Traumatic
Stress (PTS)? It is an emotional and psychological response to
trauma, sometimes referred to as Critical Incident Stress.
Anyone who
witnesses or experiences a traumatic event can be a victim.
Who is likely
to experience PTS? Victims of assault, abuse or neglect are likely
candidates. Individual, family, or group therapy can be effective in
treating PTS.
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING
Emergency
responders may experience PTS after witnessing situations in the line of
duty. The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team (CISD) may be
beneficial in assisting units who request this service.
Contact your FPA
for further information on PTS or services that are available.