Family care plan requirements

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. William McCall
  • 90th Force Support Squadron
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Air Force members in single parent, dual military couples or members with civilian spouses are required to develop a detailed family care plan to ensure care for dependents in the event of separation due to military missions. 

Per Air Force Instruction 36-2908, members will notify their commander or first sergeant within 30 days if changes in personal status or family circumstances require the development of a family care plan. 

These circumstances may include the birth of a child, the loss of a spouse through death, separation or divorce, assumption of sole care for an elderly or disabled family member, or absence of a spouse through career or job commitments or other personal reasons. 

Why do you need a family care plan? 

Air Force members are deploying frequently in support of contingency operations. These operations, along with temporary duty and remote assignments, require unique family arrangements. All Air Force members are responsible for the care of family members during these circumstances. 

Members who need to develop a plan should contact their unit first sergeant to start the process. They will be required to complete an Air Force Form 357, Family Care Certification. It names the individuals the member designates as the primary short-term caregiver, who must be in local area; long-term caregiver, who may be local or distant; an alternate caregiver; and a temporary custody designee. 

A power of attorney is also mandatory to designate caregivers named on the AF 357 the authority to act on the deployed member's behalf on issues relating to dependents. The POA must match the AF 357 exactly -- be sure the first name, middle initial and last name on both documents match perfectly. 

Members must also document any additional necessary information on bond paper as an attachment to AF 357. To assist the caregiver and dependents during the absence of the military member, the attachment should include full names of dependents, dates of birth, sex, school grade, name and address of school, school phone numbers, after-school care facilities or routine care providers, and phone number for all dependents. 

This document will also indicate if any family members are part of the exceptional family member program or have any special needs. 

Note any comfort items as well, such as favorite toys, foods, blankets. Additionally, the member should supply directions to residences, schools, churches, routine care providers and any other facilities the caregiver will need to be familiar with to take custody of dependents. 

The family care plan is mandatory, and its importance cannot be overstated. This plan affords the member the confidence to perform their duties for the Air Force without having to worry if their dependents will receive proper care. 

Remember, as a member of the Air Force, it is the service members responsibility to provide care for their family members. Ensure the information contained in the family care plan is current, and update it as soon as any information changes. 

For more information call a first sergeant or the military personnel section at 773-4456.