Family Advocacy
What We Do
The Family Advocacy Program at USAFA serves all active-duty military and their family members. Our mission is to build healthy communities through implementing programs designed for the prevention and clinical treatment of domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. We aim to provide trusted care through education and evidence-based interventions that foster a culture of non-violence and promote growth and productivity for individuals/families creating a more resilient and responsive community.
Our programs center upon:
- Prevention and Outreach
- Preventive Treatment Program
- Victim Advocacy
- Research
Outreach/Prevention Services
The outreach education programs serve to strengthen Air Force families and promote family readiness through a variety of methods and media. The goal is to partner with families to learn new skills for the prevention of further maltreatment. Family Advocacy is a non-punitive agency aimed at helping families identify and address concerns that have led to maltreatment.
Program topics include, but are not limited to:
- Family Advocacy Strength-based Therapy (FAST) – Marriage/Relationship/Family counseling with no documentation in the member’s medical record or Commander/First sergeant Notification
- Parenting Classes
- Emotion/Stress Management
- Relationship Enhancement Education
- Community Outreach
- Mandatory Squadron Commander/First Sergeant Education & Training
New Parent Support Program
The New Parent Support Program is a free and voluntary program helping military families with young children adapt to parenthood and thrive as healthy families.
Program benefits are available to active-duty military families who are expecting a child or who have a child up to three years of age with no documentation in the member’s medical record or Commander/First Sergeant notification.
A registered nurse offers private, in-home one-on-one support and guidance for expecting and new parents. This program can also assist parents to cope with the challenges of having a new baby, and managing the demands of parenting-and sometimes single parenting-when the service member is deployed.
Family Maltreatment Prevention
The Family Advocacy Program provides intervention, support, and care to families dealing with Domestic Violence or Maltreatment (Child abuse/neglect, Child sexual abuse, Spousal abuse). When domestic abuse or child maltreatment occurs, we engage to ensure victim safety and provide clinical intervention to prevent reoccurrence.
Our staff and other professionals work with the family to assess their needs and provide appropriate interventions. Our program utilizes treatment options with the support of on/off-base community resource agencies. We can provide other services as required.
Interventions may include:
- Individual Therapy
- Marital Therapy
- Parenting Support
- Interpersonal Groups
- Emotion Management
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Services
The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) can provide services to any victim of domestic abuse or anyone who wants more information on resources.
The role of the victim advocate includes:
- Crisis Intervention
- Safety Planning
- Assistance with Protection Orders
- Accompaniment to Court/medical appointments
- Advocacy with Command Groups
- Resources and Referrals
The (DAVA) Hotline provides access to a domestic abuse victim advocate who will discuss reporting options (Restricted/Unrestricted) and offer 24/7 support services. (added/changed)
VICTIM ADVOCATE HOTLINE: 855-336-7833
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Summary of Services Provided
Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn how you can receive any of the following services:
- Early childhood development education
- Parenting education and skills development
- Communication skills for couples and families
- Anger, stress and conflict management training
- New parent support and home visits
- Health education for new parents
- Family advocacy counseling