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AFH 1 · Chapter 11 · Section 11.5

Family Care Plans

Part of Communication · 2 sections · ~745 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Family Care Plans — Foundation and Arrangements

Members Must Be Available

Members Available Standard
According to AFI 1-1, the USAF must have people in the right place at the right time, ready to perform the jobs for which they have been trained.

Universal Availability

Universal Availability
Unless specifically deferred or exempted, all USAF members must be available to perform military duties and assignments, including but not limited to:
  • Permanent change of station or assignment
  • Unaccompanied tours
  • Temporary duty
  • Deployments
  • Alerts
  • Recalls
  • Extended hours
  • Shift work

Who Must Have a Family Care Plan

Who Needs Family Care Plan
Required to have a family care plan:
  • Single-member parents with custody of children who bear sole or joint responsibility
  • Military couples with dependents
  • Members who are solely responsible for the care of:
  • A spouse
  • An elderly family member
  • An adult family member with disabilities who is dependent on the member for financial, medical, or logistical support

Special Inclusion

Special Inclusion
This includes family members who:
  • Have limited command of the English language
  • Are unable to drive
  • Are unable to gain access to basic life-sustaining facilities

Plan Requirement

Advance Planning Required
Suitable arrangements must be planned in advance for a nonmilitary member to assume custody of dependents in the event the military member is unavailable to provide dependent care due to military obligations.

Family Care Arrangements

Worldwide Deployable Standard
Each USAF member must make and maintain dependent care arrangements that will allow the member to be world-wide deployable at all times.

Advance Planning Is Key

Advance Planning Key
Advance planning is the key to dependent care arrangements.

Resource Use

All Available Resources
Every USAF member with dependents must take the initiative to use all available military and civilian resources, including other-than-immediate family members, to ensure dependents receive:
  • Adequate care
  • Support
  • Supervision

…that is compatible with the member's military duties.

Plan Standards

Plan Standards
Dependent care plans must:
  • Cover all possible situations in the short- and long-term
  • Be sufficiently detailed and systematic for a smooth, rapid transfer of responsibilities to another individual during the absence of the military sponsor

Family Care Plans — Certification and Changes (DAF Form 357)

Family Care Certification

In-Processing Counseling
Commanders or first sergeants counsel all Airmen with family members on DoDI 1342.19_DAFI 36-2908, during in-processing.

Certification Form

DAF Form 357
During this counseling, commanders or first sergeants must stress the importance of, and confirm the need for, family care certification by completing:

- DAF Form 357, *Family Care Certification*

Annual Review Required

Annual Briefing
Commanders or first sergeants are required to ANNUALLY brief all military members with family care responsibilities, individually.

Signature Process

Annual Signature
During this briefing, the commander or first sergeant signs the AF Form 357 each time the plan is reviewed and certified, determining the actual workability of the family care plan.
Member Acknowledges
The member signs and dates the DAF Form 357 to document that the briefing was completed.

Geographic Separation

Geographic Separation Delegation
In the event of geographical separation, commanders may delegate responsibility, in writing, to detachment and operating location chiefs to counsel members and certify the form.

Form Filing

Form Filing
The original signed DAF Form 357 will be filed with the member's administrative office and a copy will be sent to the commander for review and filing.

Family Care Plan Changes

30-Day Notification (60 for SelRes)

30-Day Notification
Members must notify their commander or first sergeant:
  • Immediately, OR
  • Within 30 days (60 days for Selected Reserve)

…if changes in personal status or family circumstances require completion of an DAF Form 357.

Reference

DoDI/DAFI Reference
Specific circumstances that may warrant development of a family care plan are provided in DoDI 1342.19_DAFI 36-2908.

60-Day Failure Consequence

60-Day Failure Consequences
Failure to produce a family care plan within 60 days of the discussion with the commander, supervisor, or commander's designated representative may result in:
  • Disciplinary action
  • Administrative separation

Duty Deferments

4-Month Duty Deferments
Duty deferments, primarily for a four-month period, when applicable, are offered to assist USAF military members in developing family care plans and establishing a pattern of childcare.
Deferment Reference
DoDI 1342.19_DAFI 36-2908 provides more detailed information regarding duty deferments and to whom they may apply.

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