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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- You get the phone call saying that you have three days to report in because you are headed out for a deployment. Is your family ready? Do you have a plan for your children ready and in place that you can immediately put to use?
Master Sgt. Matthew Leonard, 403rd Force Support Squadron first sergeant said, "Having a family care plan ready for your family is important for family readiness to make sure your family is taken care of when you are away from home for training, mobilization or a deployment."
According to Air Force Instruction 36-2908, all Air Force members with families must have family care arrangements that reasonably cover all situations. Specifically, single parents, dual military couples with family members, members with civilian spouses who have unique family situations (as determined by the commander or first sergeant), and civilian and contractor personnel in emergency essential positions must complete the family care plan form: Air Force Form 357.
The AF Form 357 requires members to designate a short-term caregiver, a long-term caregiver and an alternate caregiver in the event of a recall, temporary duty assignment or an extended deployed duration.
The designation of a temporary custodian is another important aspect of the plan in the event of the member's death or incapacity. The temporary custodian assumes temporary custody of children until the execution of the individual's will is completed.
"A family care plan should be prepared whether you expect to deploy or not," Leonard said. "By doing this ahead of time, a plan will help you and your family members be prepared for any extended separation."
Having a detailed Family Care Plan ensures the child goes to the caregiver of choice, and having multiple back-ups prevents unexpected problems.
Each member is required to recertify their Family Care Plan annually.
Not only should the plan be completed and be on file with the member's first sergeant, but the legal office recommends having an up-to-date will and special powers of attorney on file in the event of a no-notice deployment.
Lt. Col. Maurleen Cobb, 403rd Wing staff judge advocate, said, "A member on the family care plan should get a specific power of attorney for taking care of their child(ren)."
A specific power of attorney will give the designee the authorization to act in 'loco parentis,' or on the parents' behalf, for the child(ren)'s needs regarding child care, education and medical care.
"One thing Airmen need to be aware of though is that the family care plan doesn't affect a custody agreement, so be sure to work with your ex-spouse to determine what is best for your child," said Cobb.
When preparing a family care plan, Cobb and Leonard said the following should be done:
· Assign a guardian for your family in a special Power of Attorney and make sure the guardian understands his/her responsibilities.
· Obtain dependent identification and commissary cards, register in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and check to make sure all ID cards have not expired.
· Sign up for Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or a similar group life insurance, and update all beneficiary information.
· Arrange for housing, food, transportation and emergency needs.
· Inform your spouse or any caretakers about your financial matters.
· Arrange for your guardian to have access to necessary funds.
· Arrange for child care, education and medical care.
· Prepare a will and designate a guardian in the will.
· Arrange for necessary travel and escort to transfer family members to their guardian.
· Discuss your plans with your older children.
"Having a plan in place will help to give the Airman peace of mind before and during a separation, knowing that their child(ren) is taken care of," said Leonard.
For more information regarding family care plans, Airmen must contact their unit first sergeant.
| Date Taken: | 02.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.22.2016 11:07 |
| Story ID: | 215550 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Family Care Plans: What you need to know, by Jessica Kendziorek, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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