ALCOAST 137/18 - APR 2018 NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2018

united states coast guard

R 121432 APR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLASS//N01754//
ALCOAST 137/18
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ:  NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2018
1.  All children deserve a safe, stable, and nurturing environment in which
to live, learn, and thrive.  This year’s theme, “Strong Communities Strengthen
Families” emphasizes the concept that children are the winners when leaders
and the community are informed, attentive and supportive of parents and families.
2.  It is for these reasons that the Coast Guard remains unwavering in its
absolute commitment to the safety and well-being of our children.  As we observe
National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we must always ensure that
our families have the support they need to effectively recognize and prevent
child abuse and neglect in our communities.
3.  For military families:
    A. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is the primary resource responsible for
coordination of child abuse and neglect prevention, training, response, and
intervention.  Please contact your local FAP should you have concerns about the
safety or well-being of a military child.  
    B. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328
for military families), requires any individual within the chain of command of a
military member to report to the FAP any credible information that a child in the
family or home of a member has suffered an alleged incident of child abuse. 
Additionally, per 34 U.S.C. § 20341, "Child Abuse Reporting," personnel designated
as "covered professionals" (licensed clinicians, medical and dental providers), are
required to report any suspicion of child abuse to their local child and family
services agency.
4.  Coast Guard leaders, military members and civilian employees at all levels are
encouraged to proactively safeguard our children, and facilitate necessary
interventions.  Our children are our future and they deserve our best.
5.  For general information about resources and referals concerning personal needs
or confidential support please contact CG SUPRT at 855-CGSUPRT or at www.cgsuprt.com.
6.  For more information on this topic and other Family Advocacy Program issues,
please contact your local Work-Life Family Advocacy Specialist.  Alternate POCs
include the HSWL Service Center Work-Life Chief, CAPT Jerald Mahlau-Heinert, at:
Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert@uscg.mil or (757) 628-4795 or COMDT (CG-1111) Acting Family
Advocacy Program Manager, Ms. Adrienne Wright-Williams, at:
Adrienne.Wright-Williams@uscg.mil or (202) 475-5157.
7.  RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director, Health, Safety and Work-Life, sends.
8.  Internet release authorized.