Family Care Plans

AR 600-20, Army Command Policy

July 2013

ACTION: Examine Family Care Plans

CONDITION: In a classroom environment using facilitated group discussions, shared personal experiences, applicable Army administrative publications and forms, and access to AR 600-20, Army Command Policy.

STANDARD: Demonstrate basic knowledge and comprehension of policies, procedures, and command team responsibilities for Family Care Plans.

Terminal Learning Objective

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HQDA Policy on FCPsAR 600-20, Army Command Policy, Chapter 5

• As part of unit and individual Soldier readiness, FCPs must be made to ensure Family members are properly and adequately cared for when a Soldier is deployed, temporary duty (TDY), or otherwise not available due to military requirements.

• It is the primary responsibility of the Soldier to implement the FCP.

• The plan may be executed any time conditions warrant and Family care is necessary due to the required absence of the Soldier.

• Soldiers must be able to perform their military duties without interference of Family responsibilities.

• Soldiers must be available for duty when and where the needs of the Army dictate.

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Commander’s Responsibilities

• Conduct FCP counseling. This can be delegated.

• Approve FCPs. This cannot be delegated.

• Ensure Soldiers know their responsibilities concerning FCPs.

• Ensure FCPs are tested for validity and durability, and certified annually or sooner if events dictate (e.g., SRPs, alerts, field exercises, etc.)

• Ensure Soldiers on OCONUS assignment instructions or deployment notification comply with FCP requirements.

• Ensure Soldiers are screened during unit in-processing to determine if FCP requirements apply. Also, use a query from the S-1 for periodic identification.

• Be thoroughly familiar with FCP requirements and procedures.

• Set up a suspense system for testing, validation, and recertification.

• Report Soldiers without a valid FCP as “non-available” during Unit Status Reporting (USR). Commanders may consider extenuating circumstances in approving a FCP, but must understand the Soldier is considered non-deployable until a FCP is validated and approved.

AR 600-20, Chapter 5, Army Command Policy,

provides detailed information on responsibilities.

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Family Care Plan - DA Form 5305• The DA Form 5305 is the means by which Soldiers provide for the care of

their Family members when military duties prevent the Soldier from doing so.

• It will include proof that guardians and escorts:

(1) Have been thoroughly briefed on responsibilities they are assuming.

(2) Know how to access military and civilian facilities and services on behalf of Family members.

(3) Agree to provide care and have been provided all necessary legal authority and a means to accomplish them.

• RC Soldiers are subject to AR 600-20 during periods of absences including:• Annual training

• Unit training assemblies

• Deployment and mobilization

• Other types of active duty.

As a minimum, proof will consist of the following attachments to DA Form 5305

DA Form 5840 – Certificate of Acceptance as Guardian or Escort

DA Form 5841 – Power of Attorney

DA Form 7666 – Parental Consent (if applicable)

DD Form 1172-2 - Application for DOD Common Access Card-DEERS Enrollment

DD Form 2558 – Authorization to Stop, Start, or Change an Allotment

Letter of Instruction to the guardian/escort.

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Who is Required to have a FCP?1. Pregnant Soldiers who—

(a) Are single; divorced, widowed, separated or reside without her spouse.

(b) Are married to another Service member on active duty or RC of any service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard).

2. Soldiers who are single, divorced, widowed, or separated, or reside without their spouse and one of the following applies:

(a) Has joint or full legal and physical custody of one or more Family members under the age of 19.

(b) Has adult, dependent, Family member(s) incapable of self-care regardless of age.

3. Dual-service couples (neither Soldier should be identified in the plan as temporary or long-term guardian) of active or RC and one of the following applies:

(a) One or both has joint or full legal and physical custody of one or more dependents under 19 years of age.

(b) Has adult, dependent, Family member(s) incapable of self-care, regardless of age.

4. Soldier is divorced and has liberal or extended visitation rights by court decree. Applies only if the dependent is placed in the Soldier’s care in excess of 30 consecutive days.

5. Soldier’s spouse is incapable of self-care or is physically, mentally, or emotionally disabled and requires special care or assistance.

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How long does a Soldier have to complete a FCP?• AC Soldiers – 30 days (may be extended an additional 30 days for a total of 60

days)

• RC Soldiers – 60 days (may be extended an additional 30 days for a total of 90 days)

• Pregnant Soldiers – Not later than 60 days prior to the date of the birth of the child.

• If the initial FCP submission is disapproved, commanders may allow the Soldier approximately 30 additional days to correct deficiencies.

What happens if a Soldier is unable to complete a FCP?• Non-deployable.

• Commanders should consider a Bar to Reenlistment against Soldiers who fail to provide or maintain adequate FCPs.

• Soldiers without or unable to sustain an adequate FCP should be considered for involuntary separation processing.

FCP Administration

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ACTION: Examine Family Care Plans

CONDITION: In a classroom environment using facilitated group discussions, shared personal experiences, applicable Army administrative publications and forms, and access to internet resources.

STANDARD: Demonstrate basic knowledge and comprehension of policies, procedures, and command team responsibilities for Family Care Plans.

Terminal Learning Objective

8