Emergency Placement Care makes a difference

By USAG Bavaria Family Advocacy ProgramJune 20, 2018

Emergency Placement Care makes a difference
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Family Advocacy Program supports the Emergency Placement Care program as a way to provide short-term care for military children of families in crisis.

EPC is a voluntary or court-mandated service providing 24-hour care in an EPC provider's home for children who cannot be cared for by their natural family or legal guardian.

Generally the care does not exceed 90 days, and allows time for the situation warranting the placement to be resolved or for long-term care or placement to be arranged. EPC is comparable to civilian foster care in the United States.

WHO NEEDS EMERGENCY PLACEMENT CARE?

Children requiring emergency placement care can range from infants to teenagers. They share the same basic needs as all children, but they may require extra attention and care as they cope with the unexpected separation from their family. While most children readily adapt to their new environment, some may become sullen and confused. To remedy this, children in placement will have access to counseling and other supportive services to help them cope with their feelings.

WHO MAY BECOME AN EMERGENCY CARE PROVIDER?

EPC providers must be at least 21 years of age and in good physical health. Providers must have adequate income to meet the needs of their own family as well as those of the children placed in their care. There must be adequate space in the home to comfortably accommodate the children. Single parents, working parents and childless couples are all welcome participants. Providers may reside on or off post.

An EPC provider's home should:

- Not present any hazards to the safety of children

- Be comfortable and offer privacy (although a separate bedroom for the children is not required unless they are opposite gender)

- Accommodate a separate bed for each child

- Be in a location that has ready access to schools, medical treatment, recreation, churches and other community resources

WHAT ARE EPC PROVIDERS RESPONSIBLE FOR?

EPC providers are responsible for the day-to-day care of the children. It is expected that they take an active interest in their physical needs, emotional well-being and school performance. When a placement begins, if a child does not have all of the items necessary for their proper care, there are resources available to obtain them. If the provider works full-time, arrangements will be made for the child to go to a child development center or school age center as necessary.

I WANT TO BECOME A PROVIDER. WHAT STEPS DO I TAKE?

Contact the USAG Bavaria ACS Family Advocacy Program for Vilseck and Grafenwoehr communities at 09662-83-2650 and for Hohenfels community at 09472-83-4860. The EPC coordinator will contact you to set up an interview with you and your family. The coordinator will discuss the application process with you, including:

- Background check documents

- Application Documents

- Child and Home Safety Training Requirements

- Home Study

- Home Safety Inspection

This initial meeting will allow you to ask questions and provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision about becoming an EPC provider if it is suitable to you and your family.

It takes a minimum of 90 days to become certified. The certification is valid for one year, after which providers will receive instructions on recertification procedures.

Those wanting to become an EPC provider must be able to serve in the program for at least one year. Providers are not required to be available 24/7 for placements, but do need to let the EPC coordinator know of any planned vacations or absences so as to not be considered as a possible placement during those times.

If you are interested in becoming an EPC provider, please contact the USAG Bavaria EPC coordinator at 09662-832650.

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