The WorkLife Family Support Programs are partnerships with commands that strengthen mission readiness and retention by empowering members and families through prevention intervention, education, resources and networking.

Family Resource Specialists (FRSs) are responsible for the administration and management of cases for for the administration and management of cases for the Special Needs Program in their areas of responsibility. All Special Needs cases are reviewed and assigned a "Category” utilizing a team concept. Categories range from level 1, family member’s special needs are readily treatable, to level 5, the family member requires a high level of medical attention. There is also a temporary level in which an enrolled family member can be placed if the diagnosed medical condition will be resolved within a year. Cases are reviewed semi-annually, or as situations warrant. FRSs provide humanitarian reassignment consultations with service members and Assignment Officers. Every attempt is made to assign a service member to an area where their family member's special needs may be met.

Special Needs Links

• COMDTINST 1754.7B
• DD Form 2792 (Special Needs Medical Summary)
• DD Form 2792-1 (Special Needs Educational Summary)
• Special Needs Category Reference Sheet
• NMCP Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Department Resources and Tools
• Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education in Virginia
• VA Department of Education – Special Education
• NC Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
• Family Support Network of NC
• Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids
• Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia
• NC Infant-Toddler Program
• Special Education Resources on the Internet (ISER )
• U.S. Department of Education

The Family Child Care (FCC) Program includes certification of in-home day care, child care subsidy program, referrals to state certified child care centers and state licensed child care homes. Coast Guard in-home FCC providers are able to offer quality care through attending required training, monitoring of the home by the FRS, and maintaining standards set forth in Commandant Instruction M1754.15 (Chapter 5). Spouses interested in this program may contact the FRS for further information.

The USCG Child Care Subsidy Benefit Program was created to assist Coast Guard members who use any federal child care center, or any state licensed child care facility which includes child development centers as well as licensed in-home child care providers, to provide childcare for their children. The benefit is available to Active Duty Members and Active Duty Reservists called to action for 180 days or longer. Families will qualify for subsidy benefits in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard Child Care Subsidy Benefit Table and is based upon the member’s Total Family Income. Contact your FRS for more information or assistance on applying for the benefit.

Child Care Links

• Childcare Resources, Inc
• Childcare Aware
• Care.com

Scholarship information for Coast Guard spouses and eligible children is available at the Work Life office, including listings and resources for scholarships, grants, and loan information for post secondary education. Information on the annual Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships can be obtained from your FRS.

Scholarship Links

• Coast Guard Foundation
• National Military Family Association
• Thanks USA

All Coast Guard active duty and reservists on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days are eligible to receive a reimbursement of adoption expenses. The amount of the reimbursement expenses payable to a Coast Guard member is up to $2,000 per child (with a maximum reimbursement to one member of $5,000 in any calendar year.) The adoption must be arranged by a state or local government that has responsibility under local law for placement, or a voluntary, nonprofit adoption agency authorized by the state or local law to place children for adoption. Commandant Instruction 1754.9B contains the specifics of the program. You can obtain application information by contacting your FRS.

Adoption Resource Links                  

• Adoption.org
• National Foster Care and Adoption Directory
• Infertility and Adoption Guide
• Adoption.com

Eldercare information and referral services are intended to provide information, resources, and referral services for individuals and families who are dealing with issues related to planning and caring for their elderly and aging family members. Resource information for your elderly parents or loved ones may be obtained by calling your FRS.

Elder Care Links         

• Eldercare Locator
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Health Finder
• Elder Law