Soldier & Family Readiness

Family Advocacy Program

Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides services to prevent intmate partner violence and child abuse by improving family functioning, easing the kinds of stress that can contribute to abusive behavior, and creating a community that is supportive of families. The prevention programs are designed to create community and command awareness of abuse, provide information of existing services, and provide specific educational programs. The following FAP programs and services are available at Frot Carson:

a restraining order from a civilian court
a military protection order issued by the abuser's commander
staying with a friend
staying in a shelter for victims

FAP Child Safety Programs

Baby, Think it Over: Using life size dolls, this program works with area schools to educate those about the responsibilities of parenthood. Included is a brief class on the use of the doll, as well as discussion about parenting and caring for infants. The dolls simulate a real infant crying which the student must manage day and night. At the end of a student's care-giving, an electronic read-out tells teachers how well the dolls were cared for.

Kids on the Block: Taught by a traveling group of volunteer puppeteers. Lessons learned deal with personal safety, abuse and violence. It also teaches children whom they can talk to when they need help.

Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution: This program teaches children skills that will enable them to think through conflicts and difficult problems instead of turning to violence as a solution. As part of this effort, we offer initial and follow-up peer mediation training to schools in Colorado Springs school districts 2, 3 and 8. Additionally, we offer school wide conflict resolution training to help children understand and resolve their won conflicts in a peaceful way. Offered are a variety of classes for children as requested by schools. Included are: Anger Management, Expect Respect, Esteem Builders and more.

FAP Marriage Enrichment Programs

Cooperative Parenting & Divorce: Create a positive parenting partnership on behalf of your child (or children), negotiate child-friendly agreements, remain child focused and much more. This program may meet or exceed the requirements of most divorce court mandated education. Pre-registration is required. 1st four Wednesdays of the month, 1:30 to 2:30pm.

Prevention & Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP): PREP teaches couples how to communicate more effectively, solve problems and enhance the quality of their relationships. This class is offered through the Family Advocacy Program in conjunction with the Chaplains' Couple's Retreat program. Pre-registration is required. Quarterly, 9am to 3pm.

Strengthening Stepfamilies: An education-discussion-group for re-married couples with children. Classes scheduled based on community interest. Available by request.

Customized Classes: The following classes are available upon request: Conflict Resolution, Military Separation and Reunion and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families/Marriages.

FAP Parenting Programs

Boot Camp for New Dads: This three session program offers tips to fathers on subjects such as; becoming a dad, caring for baby and caring for mom. 1st three Wednesdays of the month, 11:45am to 12:45pm.

Infant Massage: A 2-hour class that meets four times. Pregnant moms and parents with babies up to 10 months are encouraged to experience the power of infant massage. Systematic strokes alleviate colic, create strong bonds, increase mom's and dad's communication with baby, and provide a foundation of unconditional love. 1st four Tuesdays of every other month, 9:30 to 11:30AM.

Nurturing Programs: These programs are fun parenting classes for parents and their children. Raising healthy children requires empathy, humor, skill, knowledge, love and compassion. Parents learn:

how to be nurturing to themselves as well as their children
to understand the ages and stages of child development
to increase their ability to be empathetic
to use techniques to manage and encourage appropriate behavior of their children

We offer three different Nurturing Programs: 0-5 years, 5-12 years and 0-18 months, for parents and their children. Pre-registration is required.

Playgroup: An informative, fun filled get-together for parents and tots. Every Friday, 10am to 12pm.

Single Parent Support: Support for active duty and DOD civilian single parents. Offers information and discussion on getting control, family care plans, parenting and legal information.

Unit Education & Training

A 1 to 2 hour education program on the dynamics and cycle of family violence. This unit training is required annually. Family violence awareness presentations can also be scheduled for Family Support Groups (FSG's), Officer/Enlisted Groups and other interested organizations.

New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

The NPSP is a home visitation program for military families with children ages 3 and under, and expectant parents. Home visitors are nurses and social workers that will visit in the home to focus on parenting and other family issues, along with providing support and referrals.

Victim Advocacy Program (VAP)

Statistics show that there are millions of people dealing with violence in the home. Although usually well hidden, it affects people from all walks of life and unfortunately is more common than what we believe. Many times we’re led to believe that by being the perfect spouse, mother or person, assaults will not happen. The truth in this is, nothing can be said or done to prevent an assault. Some people think that using violence is the best way to solve problems or that it is OK. It’s not; no one has the right to hit, push, strangle, kick, restrain or do any physical harm to you.

Violent behavior is against the law. Violence will not go away without help. It may only become worse with every assault and as difficult as it may be to believe, may result in death. So realize that there are choices. No one has to live in an environment that degrades and/or physically endangers him or her. Remember, a victim advocate is always there for you. A victim advocate is a person who is there to help make an informed decision. An advocate will walk through the various stages that may be involved in a case along with working to reach a resolution that is acceptable. Advocates ARE THE VICTIM’S VOICE.

Advocacy services include:

Providing victims with the information on their rights as victims of domestic violence
Helping victims locate local shelters or other safe lodging
Assisting with emergency food or finances
Making referrals for relocation through local resources, i.e. Staff Judge Advocate, TESSA (Trust Education Safety Support Action - formerly the Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team - DVERT)
Providing information and support by obtaining protective orders through local civilian emergency resources
Educational training on domestic violence
Assisting victims establish an immediate and ongoing safety plan
Provide legal advocacy to include; accompanying victims to court proceedings, hearings and court-martials, meetings with lawyers, police and/or commander, represent the victim's interests at Case Review Committee meetings.

Some helpful links include:

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - http://www.ncadv.org/gettinghelp/help.htm
TESSA (Trust, Education, Safety, Support, Action) - http://www.csprgs.com/jointinit/cpvd.htm
National Domestic Hotline - http://www.ndvh.org
Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance - http://www.coloorg.com

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM (SAPRP)

SAPRP provides 24/7 crisis intervention and support services to victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact and is characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship or age of victim. Sexual assault includes:

Rape - sexual intercourse by force and without consent
Forcible Sodomy - oral or anal sex by force and without consent
Indecent Assault - unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling
Carnal Knowledge - sexual intercourse with a child under age 16

Upon receipt of a report, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) will assign a Unit or Installation Victim Advocate (UVA/IVA) who will offer services to the victim. It is the victim’s choice whether or not to accept or decline services. An active duty victim may choose:

RESTRICTED Reporting - Does not initiate an investigation. Offers the victim confidentiality with only the following four people: SARC, UVA/IVA, Military Medical Treatment Provider and the Chaplain or
UNRESTRICTED Reporting - Does initiate an investigation, possible forensic examination, legal action and communication with the chain of command and other agencies on a need to know basis.

All soldiers have a duty to report all incidents of sexual assault to their chain of command within 24 hours. The UVA/IVA will accompany their client to medical visits, court proceedings and other appointments as requested, helping them receive services and providing information so they can make informed choices each step of the way. *Army Regulation 27-10 Chapter 18 outlines th rights of crime victims. SAPRP also provides education and awareness training's to active duty members, dependents of active duty members and civilian contract personnel on how to stay safe and what to do if assaulted.

SAPRP provides 24/7 crisis intervention and support services to victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact and is characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship or age of victim. Sexual assault includes:

Rape - sexual intercourse by force and without consent
Forcible Sodomy - oral or anal sex by force and without consent
Indecent Assault - unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling
Carnal Knowledge - sexual intercourse with a child under age 16

Upon receipt of a report, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) will assign a Unit or Installation Victim Advocate (UVA/IVA) who will offer services to the victim. It is the victim’s choice whether or not to accept or decline services. An active duty victim may choose:

RESTRICTED Reporting - Does not initiate an investigation. Offers the victim confidentiality with only the following four people: SARC, UVA/IVA, Military Medical Treatment Provider and the Chaplain or
UNRESTRICTED Reporting - Does initiate an investigation, possible forensic examination, legal action and communication with the chain of command and other agencies on a need to know basis.

All soldiers have a duty to report all incidents of sexual assault to their chain of command within 24 hours. The UVA/IVA will accompany their client to medical visits, court proceedings and other appointments as requested, helping them receive services and providing information so they can make informed choices each step of the way. *Army Regulation 27-10 Chapter 18 outlines th rights of crime victims. SAPRP also provides education and awareness training's to active duty members, dependents of active duty members and civilian contract personnel on how to stay safe and what to do if assaulted.

Army Regulation 600-20 - *Acrobat Reader Required
DoD DTM - Confidentiality Policy for Victims of Sexual Assault - *Acrobat Reader Required
Visit the U.S. Army Sexual Assault and Response Program

NATIONWIDE SPECIAL SPEAKERS

Special speakers, such as Mary Sheedy Kurcinka author of Raising Your Spirited Child, provide seminars covering topics such as, marriage enrichment, child-rearing, how to improve parenting skills and more. These seminars are free and are open to professionals as well as I.D. card holders. Call (719) 526-4590 for the latest upcoming special speaker and topic.