What is the Family Advocacy Program?
The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) helps active duty members and their dependents build healthy and resilient families by addressing challenges that contribute to abusive/neglectful relationships. The program’s mission is for prevention of family maltreatment and provides individual and marital therapy, seminars, and educational groups focused on couples' communication, parenting, stress, anger management, etc. The program also provides home-based therapy and nursing services to families with children ages 0-3 in order to accommodate the unique challenges of families with young children. When family maltreatment does occur, FAP professionals work with the family to reduce the likelihood of future abuse.
Why do I need to go to the Family Advocacy Program?
You have been directed to attend a FAP appointment because there has been a report that could indicate the possibility of family maltreatment involving you or your dependents. Maltreatment can include any type of abuse or neglect (i.e., emotional, physical, neglect, sexual) toward you, a spouse, or child. FAP staff will meet with you to discuss the situation and will make clinical recommendations. FAP provides clinical assessment and intervention and does not determine legal or disciplinary actions.
What to expect at your appointment:
The Family Advocacy clinician will need to meet with family members whether they were immediately involved in the incident or not. A responsible adult must be available to watch your children (12 and younger) in the waiting room while you or your spouse is being seen.
Staff will explain the limits of confidentiality, the nature of the program, and ask about the incident described in the referral. You will meet with a clinical social worker/psychologist who will evaluate the details of the incident, your family history, and current relationships. FAP staff will make recommendations and will explain what will happen following your appointment.
Support:
FAP staff understands that the referral process can be stressful for families. The FAP team is here to provide your family with support and will do their best to address any questions and concerns you may have.