Benefit Fact Sheet
The U.S. Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is dedicated to domestic and Child abuse prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention and treatment. The Army provides a variety of services to Soldiers and Families to enhance their relationship skills and improve their quality of life. This mission is accomplished through a variety of groups, seminars, workshops and counseling and intervention services.
Army National Guard Soldiers serving on active duty for periods greater than 30 days are eligible for FAP services for themselves and their Families.
Department of the Army Policy is to prevent Spouse and Child abuse, to protect those who are victims of abuse, to treat those affected by abuse, and to ensure personnel are professionally trained to intervene in abuse cases. Since many incidents of abuse constitute violations of the law, DA policy also recognizes a commander's authority to take disciplinary or administrative action in appropriate cases. The FAP will promote public awareness within the military community and coordinate professional intervention at all levels within the civilian and military communities, including law enforcement, social services, health services, and legal services. The FAP is designed to break the cycle of abuse by identifying abuse as early as possible and providing treatment for affected Family members.
Family Advocacy programs available at Army installations may include:
New Parent Support Program (NPSP): The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary participation program that helps Soldiers and Family members who are expecting a Child, or have a Child or Children up to 3 years of age, to build strong, healthy military Families. The NPSP offers a variety of programs and services to support you including:
- Home Visits
- Playgroups
- Parenting Classes
- Other Installation Classes and Activities
Victim Advocacy Program: Victim Advocacy Services Program provides comprehensive assistance and support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, including crisis intervention, safety planning, 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.
- Crisis intervention and support
- Safety assessment and planning
- Information on reporting options
- Coordination of emergency services; transportation, housing, food, etc.
- Information on the Transitional Compensation (TC) Program for Abused Dependents
- Assistance in obtaining military and civilian protective orders
- Accompaniment through the medical, investigative and legal processes
- Representation of victims' interests at Family Advocacy Case Review Committee meetings
- Information and referral
Transitional Compensation Program (TC) Program for Abused Dependents: Transitional Compensation (TC) may be authorized for a Spouse or former Spouse of an active-duty Soldier who has received official notification of an administrative separation or court-martial conviction (with a qualifying sentence) for domestic abuse, Child abuse or Child sexual abuse. Children of Soldiers residing in the home at the time of the abuse may also qualify for TC.
- Commissary and exchange privileges
- Medical care, including behavioral health services, as TRICARE beneficiaries
- Dental care services may be provided in dental facilities of the Uniformed Services on a space available basis
- Monthly payments based on the current monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rate.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide:
- Support
- Housing
- Education
- Medical services
- Personnel Services
Soldiers on active duty enroll in the program when they have a Family member with a physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder requiring specialized services so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process.
Seminars and Workshops: Seminars and workshops are available to you, your unit or Family support group. Unit commanders are encouraged to contact their Family Advocacy Program Manager/Staff to schedule workshops and trainings that meet your specific need.
Topics Include:
- Command and Troop Education
- Community Awareness
- Conflict Resolution
- Couples Communication Skills
- Stress Management
- Prevention Programs and Services
- New Parent Support Program
- Parent Education
- Domestic Violence Prevention
- Victim Advocate Program
- Relationship Support
- Safety Education
- Respite Care Program
- Emergency Placement Care Program
- Reporting Procedures
For more information, please visit the Family Advocacy Program's webpage maintained by U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM G-9 Family and MWR):
https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/family-advocacy
In addition, contact information for Family Advocacy Program offices on Army installations may be located on the Resource Locator Library on MyArmyBenefits:
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/benefit-library/resource-locator
AR 608-18 The Family Advocacy Program
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/r608_18.pdf
Army Regulation 608-1: Army Community Service
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6228_AR608-1_Web_Final.pdf