Army Reserve Child and Youth Services Program

What is it? The Army Child Youth Services (CYS) Directorate, U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center (CFSC) has extended its mission of providing services that support the readiness and well-being of families to include geographically dispersed families. The United States Army Reserve (USAR) now has a CYS staff to assist with the implementation of CYS programs and initiatives, which are designed to reduce the conflict between parental responsibilities and Soldier mission requirements.

What has the Army Reserve done? The USAR CYS staff includes 11 full-time staff positions. The program manager, located at the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) manages the USAR CYS Program, the nine CYS regional coordinators, and the outreach liaison coordinator to ensure development of programs and implementation of initiatives. The nine regional coordinators, located within the existing USAR regional structure, assist in the development and implementation at the local level. The outreach liaison coordinator, who is located at the USARC, primarily facilitates access to child care and student support services. The three areas of focus are:

- Child care,
- Youth development, and
- Student support.

What efforts does the Army Reserve plan to continue in the future? The Army Reserve, in coordination with CFSC, plans to:

- Provide assistance to families in locating quality child care at reduced rates in their own communities,
- Foster relationships between military connected youth. Connect families with positive youth development activities for their school age youth,
- Create teen leadership opportunities at local and national levels,
- Educate community members and educators about the unique characteristics of Army Reserve families,
- Provide student support to Army Reserve children, and
- Provide opportunities for youth to attend summer camps.

Why is this important to the Army Reserve? This program is a force multiplier and retention tool through developing services and activities that are relevant to today's Army Reserve children and youth.

- This topic was taken directly from the 2007 Army Posture Statement.

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

• 2007 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2007 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates.
• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace
• Army Public Affairs Portal

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