The Florida National Guard Family Program staff consists of a trained network of military members, contract employees and volunteers working as a team in support of military Families. The Florida National Guard Family Program consists of components defined below.
Family Readiness
Family Readiness supports Commanders, Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), Service members and their Families by providing hands-on training, assisting in Family Communication Campaigns, such as: unit newsletters, websites, and phone trees. Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA) assist in coordinating Family Day activities, providing informational briefings, as well as, promoting resilience, well- being and Readiness throughout the Deployment Cycle.
For more info, contact the State Family Readiness office at (800) 226-0360.
Family Assistance
Family Assistance provides mandated information and referral services regarding benefits and entitlements to military Families and Service members. Family Assistance Centers are geographically disbursed throughout the state to assist Department of Defense Military Families during all levels of mobilization. All uniformed service members and retired uniformed service personnel and their family members, active, reserve, retired or civilian employees and surviving family members of military personnel are eligible for assistance.
For more info, contact State Family Assistance Center Coordinator at (800) 226-0360.
Child and Youth
The Child and Youth program supports the social, emotional and academic needs of military children and youth. It encourages the development of positive self-esteem, self-confidence, respect for self and others, team skills, and leadership abilities.
For more info, contact State Youth Coordinator at (800) 226-0360.
Our Family Program’s Mission
Our program’s mission is to:
- Provide consultation services to commanders and assist them in developing and executing policies, programs, and processes which enhance individual, family and community readiness.
- Support mission readiness by helping service members and their families adapt to the changes and demands of military life.
- Assist DOD military and civilian personnel and other eligible uniformed members, military retirees, and their family members and survivors.
- Ensure service members and their families are prepared for the many demands and responsibilities often associated with activation, mobilization, deployment and demobilization.
- Ensure commanders incorporate the Family Program Office as a required stop on all in and out processing checklist.
- Collaborate with local agencies, uniformed services and other service delivery agencies to enhance the quality of life initiatives during steady state and contingency operations.
- The Family Program staff (volunteers, contractors, civilian employees, and technicians) will not assume responsibility for services and programs that fall within the scope of other agencies.
- Services will focus on: proactive outreach, community readiness, resilience, individual and family readiness, and commander consultation and support. In conjunction with the unit designated Family Readiness point of contact, the Family Program personnel will consult with the unit to routinely assess family readiness, strengths, resources and concerns.
- Assist unit leadership in the development and establishment of procedures within each unit to contact and routinely follow up with families of deployed unit members.