ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The base Family Advocacy office is hosting an open house April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in commemoration of Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The open house theme is 'Child Safety,' and is designed to showcase Family Advocacy's available resources.
"The open house is an opportunity for our Active Duty military members and their families to come out and see and hear what Family Advocacy is all about," said Stephanie Green, Family Advocacy program assistant. "So many times, Family Advocacy is misunderstood because we assess child and spousal abuse cases, but there is so much more to Family Advocacy and it is our hope that we will be able to dispel some of those negative stigmas that have been attached to Family Advocacy by opening our doors so anyone can come in talk to the staff and learn about the various services we provide."
The open house is also a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. Various topics will be discussed including how to avoid bullying in school, child seat belt safety and health tips.
"The Air Force Family Advocacy Program enhances Air Force mission readiness by promoting family and community health and resilience," said Joyce Cravin, Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. "The program advocates for nonviolent communities and identifies abuse and neglect, assesses the situation and engages the family in treatment. Data analysis of outcomes is used to enhance mission readiness, personnel preparedness and family adaptation."
Family Advocacy has several programs under its umbrella with various outreach programs including Infant and Toddler University, Family Advocacy Strength-Based Treatment, the New Parent Support Program, and the Special Needs Identification and Assignment program, previously known as the Exceptional Family Member Program. The Women, Infants and Children program, simply known as WIC, is another program for eligible families that is available Thursdays at Family Advocacy from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Family Advocacy also offers a Dads 101 class (taught by dads) that is designed to teach men how to be fathers. The class is held the last Tuesday of every month.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Family Advocacy is located at 1191 Menoher Dr.