VICENZA , Italy -- We all know that being a part of the military community requires great flexibility, adaptability and sacrifice. The good news is that there is an incredible number of free resources available to service members, civilians and family members to help ameliorate the routine challenges of everyday life, as well as the unique ones people in this community face.
One of those great options is the Family Advocacy Program, a program that encompasses a variety of services for both families and individuals.
FAP is housed under the Army Community Service umbrella, and is present and active in every CONUS and OCONUS installation that hosts command sponsored families. FAP services focus mainly on support and prevention.
On the support side, FAP's congressionally mandated mission is to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse in military families. FAP works to preserve families where abuse has occurred, if possible, without compromising the health, welfare and safety of victims. Trained domestic abuse victim advocates support victims with a full range of services, such as safety planning, information and referral.
On the prevention side, as outlined in Army Regulation 608-18, "Prevention is community-based, promotes wellness for everyone, and commits resources to enhance healthy individual, couple and family functioning." Everyone can contribute to, and benefit from FAP's many programs that include stress and anger management classes, New Parent Support Program, couples-communication groups, parent-child groups, marital enrichment programs, home visiting programs, childcare opportunities, parent education classes, family wellness programs and more.
Okay, so you may be wondering: "What does this mean for me?" Glad you asked. Whether you are single, married or have children, FAP is here to help with a variety of programs.
Stress and Anger Management
The stresses of life, a difficult job, being far from home, conflicts with friends or family -- no matter who you are, this can all take a toll. Our stress and anger management workshops teach practical techniques for handling whatever life throws your way.
Marriage Support
It's not always easy sharing a life with someone. There will be times in all marriages or relationships when you have different opinions -- and that may lead to conflict. Regardless of how perfect your marriage is -- or is not -- everyone can benefit from a little extra help in healthy, positive communication skills. The FAP marriage workshops do that and more to help promote positive relationship habits.
Parenting Support
Wouldn't it be nice if kids came with instruction manuals? Sometimes even the most prepared parents don't know how to be the kind of parent their children need. Our parenting classes and one-on-one consultations, can help support any parent by teaching new skills and that can make all the difference. Topics can include, among other things: general child development, positive discipline, habits for good health, and the extra 21st century challenge of parenting in today's media and technology-saturated culture.
New Parents
The New Parent Support Program focuses specifically on that exciting, yet especially challenging, period from pregnancy and birth through age four. Attend the "Bringing Baby Home" class for guidance on what to expect immediately after birth, and playgroups for socialization for parents and their little ones. Also, receive lactation support, hospital and home visits, and professional answers to the many questions you'll have in those first few years of your baby's life.
Domestic Violence
Finally, sometimes we find ourselves in an extra sticky situation with a spouse or romantic partner. FAP is here to help support anyone who feels he or she is in an abusive relationship. If you are ever in need of support, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates provide information and referral, safe and confidential ways of seeking assistance, informs victims of their rights and available resources, and serves as advocates for the victim.
Become an
Emergency Placement Care family
Finally, for those with a big heart and desire to help children in need, FAP is always recruiting families to be available for Emergency Placement Care. Sometimes, a child must be temporarily removed from his or her family and needs a safe, loving environment to call home for a short period of time. Anyone interested in providing this invaluable service to the community should contact the FAP office to get the approval process started.
Contact FAP to find out more and take advantage of all the wonderful programs we offer. We look forward to working with members of the community. Command leadership is encouraged to schedule one-on-one FAP deskside briefings.
Call DSN 634-7489, comm. 0444-71-7489.
The FAP team consists of the following professionals:
Susan Swisher, LCSW
FAP Manager
Limary Cepeda
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate, 24/7 Hotline: +39 335-805-7867
Andreina Howard, RN
New Parent Support Program
Kayla Wilson, RN
New Parent Support Program
Mieke VanderBorght, Ph.D.
Child Development/Parenting Specialist and Media Educator
Social Sharing