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Dependent Resources - Ombudsman Program
WHAT IS AN OMBUDSMAN?
In 1986, the Coast Guard formally instituted an Ombudsman Program to provide a link between the command and families. Morale and mission performance of Coast Guard personnel are closely related to the health and well-being of their families. It is important that members and their families be provided with information and assistance to minimize the disruptions of deployment and moving. The Ombudsman Program can help ease the sacrifices families must make which allow personnel to effectively carry out Coast Guard missions. Finally, the Ombudsman Program provides an opportunity for the Coast Guard to tap one of our greatest resources: the strength, courage, and deep concern for others held by Coast Guard spouses.
An Ombudsman is a volunteer spouse designated by and responsible to the command. The Ombudsman assists families by providing information about sources of assistance available to them, informing them about Coast Guard and command policies, and providing information about activities of interest. The Ombudsman also serves as an advisor to the Commanding Officer -- someone who can keep up with and understand the concerns of families. The Ombudsman will also forward ideas from the families to the appropriate CG command office. For those seeking guidance about particular problems, the Ombudsman attempts to find the best resources possible to assist the individual or the family.

Communication with the Ombudsman by service members or dependents is confidential unless it deals with an incident of child abuse, spouse abuse, or substance abuse. Confidentiality will be maintained with regard to all issues, except when reporting to the appropriate representative as defined below. The Ombudsman must inform:

  • The Family Advocacy Representative (FAR) of child or spouse abuse.
  • The Collateral Duty Alcohol Abuse Representative (CDAR) of alcohol abuse by a service member.
  • Cases of drug abuse by a service member to the Command.

 

WHAT CAN AN OMBUDSMAN DO?
  • An Ombudsman is a liaison between the families and the Command.
    An Ombudsman can direct a grievance or a suggestion to the proper departments.
    An Ombudsman can familiarize you with a variety of organizations.
    When a crisis arises at home, an Ombudsman can refer you to the best possible place for direct help, or professional guidance.
    An Ombudsman is a source of information and outreach.
    An Ombudsman can pass along important information pertaining to military families.
    An Ombudsman can keep you abreast of ship's movements.
WHAT IS NOT WITHIN THE ROLE OF AN OMBUDSMAN?
  • An Ombudsman can not address military problems between the member and the Command.
    An Ombudsman is not a substitute for professional counselors.
    An Ombudsman is not a convenience babysitter.
    An Ombudsman does not run a community taxi service.
    An Ombudsman is not a financial institution.
    An Ombudsman is not all-powerful. They are military spouses, volunteering their time and effort for the benefit of everyone in the Coast Guard family.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOURSELF?
  • Find out who your Ombudsman is.
    Contact your Ombudsman in time of need.
    Get on the phone tree and or e-mail list.
    Make sure that the Command and your Ombudsman have your correct mailing address and phone number, so you will receive newsletters, etc.
The following references provide details of the Ombudsman Program:

Link to CoastieChicks.net

 

I AM AN OMBUDSMAN

I am not a crutch
But I can support you
I am not a counselor
But I know how to reach one
I am not a taxi driver
But I can steer you in the right direction
I am not a rescuer
But I can help save lives
I am not a baby sitter
But I can refer you to a caregiver
I am not a gossiper
But I am a great listener
I an not an enabler
But I can provide tools to empower you
I am not a master of anything
But I know many experts who understand your needs
I am not a Recreation or Health Specialist
But I am concerned about your morale, well being, and health
I am not a busybody as I’ve been called
But I am a Coast Guard Ombudsman

I am a Coast Guard Family Ombudsman

And I am of service to you—The Coast Guard Family

Shared by Kaye Morris on Our House

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Disclaimer:

The content of all U.S. Coast Guard PACAREA TACLET Newsletters & Links in world wide web pages are unofficial and not authority for action. The webpages using the oocities.com server under the user name of "pactaclet_ombud", and the ombudsman newsletter have been created and maintained by and for military families currently living in or moving to our community.

The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the USDOHS or the USCG. Links are provided for the convenience of our visitors and do not, in any way, constitute an endorsement of the linked pages or any commercial or private issues or products presented therein. Information may be reprinted for personal use from web pages within my control, but may not be reproduced or published without written permission on any other webserver. This is a personal and non-commercial website containing resources for Coast Guard families. Commercial use of Coast Guard emblems, logos, or other graphics must be approved by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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