CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – The Department of Defense has approved funding for service members to gain free access to an internet service that helps military families find an array of services including military-certified babysitters, elderly caregivers, tutors, housekeepers and even dog walkers in their area.
The service, Sittercity.com, is a $120-per-year value on average and free to active-duty Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard, Reserve service members and their dependents.
The program matches military personnel and their families with more than 600,000 caregiver profiles nationwide to include background checks, references and a screening process. Once matched, Sittercity.com members and caregivers negotiate their own terms and salary.
"Because of the mobile nature of military life, trusted community resources are often difficult to identify and locate. These online tools will help service members and family members attain the best match between resource and need," said Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Tommy Thomas, in a statement announcing the service.
Thomas added that he believes Sittercity.com's nationwide network of quality care providers will be highly beneficial to U.S. service members and their families.
Camp Atterbury Family Assistance Specialist Natalie Fleming said that Sittercity.com is going to be a great resource for Camp Atterbury service members and their families, whether they are new to the area or even the state.
"It will be an extremely useful tool," said Fleming. "Families can search online for childcare services saving them time and allowing them to choose the right care for their specific needs. Over the years DoD has recognized the importance and the needs of the Military Family and Sittercity.com is one of the new resources that fills a need for our military families."
To access the site and activate your free membership or to get more information go to www.sittercity.com/dod.