ALCOAST 113/19 - APR 2019 NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2019

R 051411 APR 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLASS//N01754//
ALCOAST 113/19
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ:  NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2019
A. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, (Public Law 114-328)   
1. All children deserve to live in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment, in which to
learn and thrive. In alliance with DoD, this year’s campaign theme, “MilParent Power: Together,
We Keep Our Kids Healthy and Safe” emphasizes the importance of families and communities
working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote the social and emotional
well-being of children and families.
2. 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 the 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. REF (A), Section 575, requires the following:
      (1) Any individual within the chain of command of a military member to report to FAP any
reasonable suspicion or credible information of alleged child abuse or neglect in the family or
home of a member.
      (2) Information learned by a member of the Armed Forces or persons engaged in a
profession or activity involving members of the Armed Forces or their dependents (eg. Health
care providers, law enforcement, counselors, child care providers, teachers, coaches etc.) are
required to report any suspicion of child abuse immediately to their local State Child Welfare
Services Agency and to their installation FAP.
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 referrals 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 Johanna MacGillivray,
LCSW, Family Advocacy Program Manager, at Johanna.MacGillivray@uscg.mil or (202) 475-5161 or
CAPT Robert Marietta, HSWL Service Center Work-Life Deputy Division Chief at
Robert.G.Marietta@uscg.mil or (757) 628-4854.
7. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety and Work-Life, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.