ALCOAST 271/21 - JUL 2021 COAST GUARD SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT REMINDER

R 281036Z JUL 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 271/21
SSIC 1000
SUBJ: COAST GUARD SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM ENROLLMENT REMINDER
A. Special Needs Program, COMDTINST 1754.7 (series)
1. This ALCOAST provides guidance regarding the Special Needs
Program enrollment and enrollment update requirements.
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. 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) must be completed by
the family member's medical provider or school personnel
(respectively) and submitted by the member to the servicing Health,
Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) Family Resource Specialist (FRS).
6. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge must ensure that all
AD members are made aware of this policy. They must 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 Sue Carter, Special Needs Program Manager
at 202-475-5163, or by email at Susie.D.Carter@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life
(CG-11), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.