Consult with your command master chief and review  related  command,  ship/station,  and  area instructions  for  additional  guidance. FAMILY  ADVOCACY During the early 1970s, the Navy developed an increased awareness of child abuse and neglect. This  prompted  the  Navy  surgeon  general  to advocate  a  program  that  dealt  with  both  the medical and social aspects of the problem. In 1976 the  Navy  set  up  the  Child  Advocacy  Program within the Navy Medical Department to protect abused,   neglected,   or   abandoned   dependent children.   In   1979   the   Navy   redesignated   the program  as  the  Family  Advocacy  Program.  It expanded  the  program  to  include  spouse  abuse and neglect, sexual assault, and rape. Soon after, the  Navy  began  to  develop  formal,  service-wide Family  Support  Programs  designed  to  improve the  quality  of  life  for  the  Navy  family. Family  Advocacy  Program  (FAP),  O P - NAVINST 1752.2, defines policy and outlines the key  elements  of  the  program. Check  local  and  area  instructions  about  family advocacy   for   additional   information.   Another good idea is to visit your local medical treatment facility  and  base  Family  Service  Center  to  discuss services  they  offer  your  people. FAMILY  SERVICE  CENTERS Navy  Family  Service  Centers  (FSCs)  are  an organizational   component   within   Navy   shore activities and commands. Family Service Centers are  responsible  for  the  following: Providing comprehensive information pro- grams  and  referral  services  for  Navy families and single service members Providing  Navy  personnel  and  Navy families  with  opportunities  to  achieve  a more satisfying quality of life in the Navy Ensuring   continuing   awareness   of   the importance  of  the  relationship  between Navy  families  and  the  Navy’s  ability  to execute its mission Bringing about close coordination among existing Navy and civilian family support services Serving  all  eligible  personnel  and  their families  as  set  forth  in  SECNAVINST 1754.1 Family  Service  Center  functions  include  the following: Information  and  referral Family assistance Family  education Financial  education  counseling Deployment  support Family  advocacy Special  needs  family  support Employment  aid Relocation  aid Overseas  duty  support Support  for  Command  Sponsor  Program Support  for  Command  Ombudsman Program Centers (FSCs) is the prevention of problems and the   enhancement   of   family   life.   FSCs   offer informational,   educational,   and   preventive programs  on  a  continuing  basis. Family   Service   Center   Program,   OPNAV- INST  1754.1A,  defines  Navy  policy  and  assign- ment responsibilities for the administration and support  of  the  Navy  Family  Service  Center Program. You  should  visit  your  local  Family  Service Center and set up points of contact. Also ask for the  names  and  phone  numbers  of  local  civilian agencies that are available for help. OMBUDSMAN   PROGRAM The Ombudsman Program was first set up in the Navy in 1970. Since its start, it has undergone continual evolution to adapt to the changing needs of   Navy   commands   and   their   families.   The Ombudsman   role   has   changed   in   its   respon- sibilities for the morale and welfare of the families of  the  command  by  serving  less  in  the  role  of grievance  processing.  It  now  serves  more  as  an appropriate   resource   to   help   commands   in discharging  the  commanding  officer’s  (CO’s) responsibilities in this area. 6-2