The U.S. Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) helps Soldiers and Families recognize and meet the unique challenges of military lifestyles. Our services include seminars, workshops, counseling, and intervention to help strengthen Army Families, enhance resiliency and relationship skills, and improve quality of life.

We are also dedicated to helping Soldiers and Families with the complex challenges related to domestic abuse, child abuse, and neglect. We focus on prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention, and treatment.

If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at + 1(800)799-7233. You should also contact your installation’s Family Advocacy Program for more information.

Our additional programs within the Family Advocacy Program help with specific needs:

New Parent Support Program (NPSP): Expecting parents and parents with children ages 0-3 have special challenges, and NPSP has tools to meet them. Programs including home visits and parenting classes help caregivers learn to cope with stress, isolation, deployments, reunions, and the everyday demands of parenthood.

 

Transitional Compensation (TC) Program for Abused Dependents: Under a congressionally mandated program, abused dependents of military personnel may be eligible for up to three years of benefits and entitlements, including temporary financial compensation, medical care, and commissary and exchange privileges.

 

Victim Advocacy Program (VAP): Victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have round-the-clock access to services, including emergency assistance, information, referrals, and ongoing support in accessing medical, behavioral health, legal, and law enforcement services on and off garrisons. Victim Advocates will discuss the option of restricted and unrestricted reports.

 

Seminars and Workshops

Seminars and workshops are available to you, your unit, or your Family support group. Topics may 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

 

Contact your installation’s Army Community Service (ACS) Family Advocacy Program for more information.

 

You can also call Military OneSource for more information and referrals.

Victim Advocacy Program

Provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic abuse, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and help to secure medical treatment for injuries, information on legal rights and proceedings, referral to military and civilian shelters, and other resources. Victim Advocacy services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

If you need help or want more information, contact a Domestic Violent Victim Advocate (DAVA) at +1(301)677-4118.

More on Victim Advocacy Program

Reconsideration Request Instructions

An alleged abuser, victim, or a parent on behalf of a child victim may request reconsideration in writing to the IDC chair, through the Family Advocacy Program manager (FAPM) within 30 calendar days of notification of the outcome of their case at the incident determination committee (IDC). 

It is imperative requestors follow the step-by-step process established on HQDA EXORD 156-21 (FRAGO 1) Annex F, Coordinating Instructions IDC Reconsiderations 27 May 2022 to submit their reconsideration request. This structured approach offers a standardized way to request a review of IDC cases.

Before seeking reconsideration, it is essential requestors fully comprehend all aspects of the investigation’s findings and decision tree algorithm (DTA) by consulting their FAP-C case manager. The request for reconsideration must be supported by fresh evidence or specify procedural errors that occurred during the IDC meeting.  Clear outline of the request may enhance its validity by establishing a solid reason for review.  However, refusal to meet with the FAP-C case manager prior to the IDC or providing information that was previously withheld from the case manager does not constitute ‘new information.’  It is the responsibility of the requestor and their commander to ensure the treatment plan developed by the FAP-C is adhered to.  Reconsideration request is not a reason to suspend nor delay treatment.

Requestors must submit their request in writing utilizing the format outlined in Annex H.  Requests that do not adhere to this format will not be submitted to the garrison commander and returned to the requestor. If a requestor had several incidents at the IDC, a separate request for each incident is required.  Requests and supporting documentation must be emailed to the Fort Meade FAPM celena.l.flowers.civ@army.mil, within 30 calendar days of the requestor being notified of the outcome of their case.

HQDA EXORD 156-21 (FRAGO 1) Annex F - Coordinating Instructions IDC Reconsiderations

Memo Template - Reconsideration Request