ALCOAST 208/18 - MAY 2018 COAST GUARD SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT REMINDER

R 291240 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01754//
ALCOAST 208/18
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ:  COAST GUARD SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT REMINDER
A. Special Needs Program, COMDTINST 1754.7 (series)
1. In anticipation of the upcoming transfer season, the Office of Work-Life (CG-111)
is providing information regarding the Special Needs Program.
2. As stated in REF (A), the Special Needs Program is a mandatory enrollment program for
all active duty (AD) and selected reserve members on orders for 181 days or more (hereinafter
referred to as AD members) who have dependent family members diagnosed with medical,
psychological, physical, or educational special needs. The objective of the program is to
identify and support the special needs of a Coast Guard family while allowing the AD member
to maintain the maximum assignment flexibility possible.
3. AD members must enroll in the Special Needs Program if they have family members who meet
enrollment criteria listed in REF (A).
4. Special Needs Program enrollment updates for each family member enrolled in the program
are due every 3 years, normally when the member submits an e-resume. Exceptions to this
timeline are as follows:
   a. If there is a change in the medical or mental health related diagnosis, or a new
diagnosis develops.
   b. If there is a change in early intervention or special education needs.
   c. If an update is due at the time of a projected rotation date, it must be initiated at
least nine months prior to that date.
5. For new enrollments and enrollment updates, Family Member Medical Summary, DD Form 2792
(for medical, psychological, and physical conditions) and Special Education/Early
Intervention Summary, DD Form 2792-1 (for educational special needs) shall be completed by
the family members medical provider or school personnel (respectively) and submitted by the
member to the servicing Health, Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) Family Resource Specialist (FRS).
Members whose enrollment documentation predates May 2015 must immediately provide updated
enrollment forms to their local FRS.
6. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge shall ensure that all AD members are made
aware of this policy. They shall also ensure that all AD members who have family members
with special needs meeting the criteria listed in REF (A) comply with the mandatory
enrollment requirement.
7. POC for this matter is Dr. Marta Denchfield, Chief, Behavioral Health Services Division,
or CAPT Jerry Mahlau-Heinert, Division Chief, HSWL Service Center. Dr. Denchfield may be
reached at 202-475-5253, or by email at Marta.E.Denchfield@uscg.mil. CAPT Mahlau-Heinert may
be reached at 757-628-4795, or by email at Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release authorized.