Consult with your command master chief and review related command, ship/station, and area instructions for additional guidance. FAMILY ADVOCACY During the early 1970s, the Navy developed an increased awareness of child abuse and neglect. This prompted the Navy surgeon general to advocate a program that dealt with both the medical and social aspects of the problem. In 1976 the Navy set up the Child Advocacy Program within the Navy Medical Department to protect abused,  neglected,  or  abandoned  dependent children.  In  1979  the  Navy  redesignated  the program as the Family Advocacy Program. It expanded the program to include spouse abuse and neglect, sexual assault, and rape. Soon after, the Navy began to develop formal, service-wide Family Support Programs designed to improve the quality of life for the Navy family. Family Advocacy Program (FAP), O P - NAVINST 1752.2, defines policy and outlines the key elements of the program. Check local and area instructions about family advocacy  for  additional  information.  Another good idea is to visit your local medical treatment facility and base Family Service Center to discuss services they offer your people. FAMILY SERVICE CENTERS Navy Family Service Centers (FSCs) are an organizational  component  within  Navy  shore activities and commands. Family Service Centers are responsible for the following: Providing comprehensive information pro- grams and referral services for Navy families and single service members Providing Navy personnel and Navy families with opportunities to achieve a more satisfying quality of life in the Navy Ensuring  continuing  awareness  of  the importance of the relationship between Navy families and the Navy’s ability to execute its mission Bringing about close coordination among existing Navy and civilian family support services Serving all eligible personnel and their families as set forth in SECNAVINST 1754.1 Family Service Center functions include the following: Information and referral Family assistance Family education Financial education counseling Deployment support Family advocacy Special needs family support Employment aid Relocation aid Overseas duty support Support for Command Sponsor Program Support for Command Ombudsman Program Centers (FSCs) is the prevention of problems and the  enhancement  of  family  life.  FSCs  offer informational,  educational,  and  preventive programs on a continuing basis. Family  Service  Center  Program,  OPNAV- INST 1754.1A, defines Navy policy and assign- ment responsibilities for the administration and support of the Navy Family Service Center Program. You should visit your local Family Service Center and set up points of contact. Also ask for the names and phone numbers of local civilian agencies that are available for help. OMBUDSMAN  PROGRAM The Ombudsman Program was first set up in the Navy in 1970. Since its start, it has undergone continual evolution to adapt to the changing needs of  Navy  commands  and  their  families.  The Ombudsman  role  has  changed  in  its  respon- sibilities for the morale and welfare of the families of the command by serving less in the role of grievance processing. It now serves more as an appropriate  resource  to  help  commands  in discharging the commanding officer’s (CO’s) responsibilities in this area. 6-2