Commentary: Family care plans should be up to date

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Cesar Ortiz
  • 442nd Force Support Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Not only are family care plans required by Air Force Instruction and for the upcoming Consolidated Unit Inspection, but they are vital for a member's family.

Air Force directives require all military-to-military couples to make plans to allow for the smooth transfer of responsibilities if they have children or dependents.

Although the requirement exists for all military families to properly plan for the changes involved in the event of a deployment only single parents, military-to-military couples with children and those in unique situations need to have an Air Force form 357, Dependent Care Certification on file at the unit.

Examples of unique situations are those who:

· Are single but, are the sole provider for an elderly parent
· Have a civilian spouse who is incapable or performing primary care functions because of an illness or disability
· Have a civilian spouse whose job requires long absences from home

If you are unsure whether you fall into a unique situation, we encourage you to discuss the matter with your first sergeant or commander.

The Family Care Program is a commander/first sergeant program and they are responsible for ensuring unit members have family care arrangements on file.

In addition all Reserve military members are required to notify their commander within 60 days of any changes that result in a requirement for filling out an AF form 357. For those with a form 357 on record, it is recommended that the information be rechecked and brought up to date. Annual recertification is required per Air Force directives.

Arrange a visit with your first sergeant to discuss your family care arrangements. Before then, here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if your arrangements are in order:

· Do all of my short term and long term providers have power of attorney?
· Are the powers of attorney still valid?
· Does the AF form 357 contain all the required signatures?
· Will my designees be able to use the Commissary and Base Exchange?

The Family Care Program is a special interest item and ensuring the plan is up to date is very important.

A number of agencies are available to go to for assistance. For more information contact the unit first sergeant or commander.