The Army’s Family Advocacy Program is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of Soldiers and their Families. One of the standout components of FAP is the New Parent Support Program, a vital resource for Families that aims to ease the challenges of early parenthood by providing practical resources to help parents navigate the complexities of raising children in a military environment.
“The New Parent Support Program is a priceless resource for military Families, offering guidance, education and reassurance when things are good as well as during life’s challenges. Whether through home visits, parenting classes or community connections, this program empowers parents to provide the best possible start for their children while navigating the unique demands of military life,” said Dr. Carmen Leggett, FAP Specialist at the Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
Although the Army has always recognized the importance of Family support, the NPSP was established to provide a more direct, tailored service to address early-childhood development. The program has evolved over time, with an increasing focus on preventive measures and proactive Family support.
The NPSP is primarily designed for Army Families, specifically those with active-duty Soldiers, whether they are stationed domestically or overseas. It serves parents who are expecting a child or those who have infants and toddlers under age 3. Recognizing that parenting in a military environment can sometimes be isolating, the program also offers a support network for both first-time parents and seasoned caregivers.
The program is available regardless of rank or service branch, meaning that Soldiers of all backgrounds can benefit from this important support system. The NPSP is designed to provide free resources, from pregnancy through the early years of a child’s life, ensuring that Families have the guidance they need during this transformative time. Since military Families often face financial constraints, especially when one parent may be on parental leave or on deployment, the cost-free aspect of the program makes it a highly accessible resource.
Signing up for the NPSP is easy and straightforward. Eligible parents can reach out to their local Army Family Advocacy Program office to enroll. Once enrolled, parents will be assigned a support team member, who will reach out to schedule home visits and provide guidance. The NPSP offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the needs of new parents. Some key services include:
- Home visits: Trained professionals make home visits to offer personalized support and guidance. These visits provide parents with practical tips on infant care, child development and parenting techniques.
- Parenting education: The program offers educational materials and workshops on topics such as child safety, infant care, positive discipline techniques and managing parenting stress.
- Emotional support: Parenting can be emotionally taxing, especially in a military environment. The NPSP offers nonmedical counseling services to help parents cope with stress, anxiety and other emotional challenges.
- Referrals to additional resources: The program connects parents with other relevant services, such as financial assistance programs and child care resources.
The NPSP is managed by a team of professionals, including registered nurses, social workers and parent educators. Together they form a well-rounded support system that addresses both the practical and emotional needs of military Families.
The Army’s NPSP plays a crucial role in supporting military Families during one of the most challenging and rewarding times in their lives—parenthood. By offering free expert advice and resources, the program helps ensure that Army parents have the tools they need to succeed in raising healthy, happy children, even in the face of the unique challenges posed by military life.
“The strength of our Army lies not just in its Soldiers but in the Families who stand beside them. The New Parent Support Program empowers military Families with knowledge, resilience and support, as strong Families allow Soldiers to support mission readiness, which in turn builds a stronger force,” Leggett said.
To learn more about the NPSP or FAP’s resources, visit their web page: DPRR: U.S. Army Family Advocacy Program.
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