The pregnancy occurred during initial training (must  be  determined  by  the  permanent  duty station). A pregnant servicewoman may request separation from  the  Navy  before  the  20th  week  of  pregnancy (normally, such a request is not approved). Under law, the military departments, CHAMPUS, or the Veteran’s Administration  has  the  authority  to  pay  civilian maternity care expenses for former servicewomen who separate from the Navy while pregnant. FAMILY CARE All  single  service  members  and  dual  military couples having custody of children under 19 or other dependents must have a formalized plan for family care. If you are eligible for family care, you must complete the Family Care Plan Certificate, NAVPERS 1740/6 and Family Care Plan Arrangements, NAVPERS 1740/7. These forms certify that your family members will be cared  for  during  your  absence.  These  forms  also identify  the  logistical,  relocation,  and  financial arrangements that you’ve made. Custodian(s) you designate (name)  must  have the following documents: 1.  A power of attorney that authorizes medical care and person(s) action in   loco  parentis   (as the parent) 2.  Identification cards for all eligible dependents If the person you designate as the custodian doesn’t live in the local area, you will also need to make sure of the following: A nonmilitary escort for family members that need  help;  for  example,  infants,  children,  or elderly disabled adults Financial  support  to  transport  the  family  or caregiver to a designated location If you don’t maintain an up-to-date family plan, you can be separated from the Navy. In fact, the CO can separate members who are unable or refuse to maintain an  updated  family  care  plan,  who  do  not  remain available for worldwide assignment, or who are unable to perform their professional or military duties. PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— Recall  the  value  of  the  public  affairs  and community relations programs. Public affairs works on the principle that the public has the right to be fully informed about matters of national defense. In the Department of the Navy, the mission of public affairs  is to inform the public and members of the naval service about the following: The Navy as an instrument of national policy and security Navy operations and programs The  responsibilities  and  activities  of  naval personnel as U. S. citizens An   objective  of  public  affairs   is  to  better  the general public’s understanding of the following: The nature of sea power and its role in preserving the security of the United States The reasons underlying the need for an efficient and effective modern Navy The  contributions  of  the  Navy  in  scientific research and in community assistance The  service  naval  members  provide  to  their country The career advantages of naval service The Navy is a part of the community in which its facilities  or  personnel  are  located.  The  attitude  the civilian community has towards Navy personnel affects their  morale  and  effectiveness.  Therefore,  all  Navy personnel  are  responsible  for  maintaining  good community relations. They can help to do that by taking an active part in civilian activities and organizations. In addition,  each  command  develops  a  Community Relations Program to ensure Navy personnel and the civilian community live in harmony. 1-10 Student Notes: