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To Request an LC for your unit event, call Army Community Service at 432-3742.
To speak directly to an LC call one of the following numbers:
910-391-9171
910-489-5528
910-489-8020
910-489-8021
View flyer! [PDF]
Links:
Deployment Readiness Program
FRG (Family Readiness Group)
Community Readiness Fair
Combat Stress
Deployment Cycle Puppet Show
Customer Comments: "Say It On ICE"
What is the Military Family Life Consultants Program?
It is an Army program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments. Units that return from deployment may request Life Consultants through Army Community Service. Program serves active duty and mobilized National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families.
What is the Life Consultant Role?
To provide post deployment training and informal consulting support to Soldiers and Families to supplement the services provided by the community. Address reunion/reintegration concerns that service or family members may have. Liaison within military and local resources. Life Consultants, keep no records and are available at time and place designated by the unit. Services are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Look for a friendly face wearing a Life Consultant name tag like the one below:
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How does the program work with existing programs and resources?
Life consultants will not duplicate any existing program. Life Consultants work closely with Army Community Service, and will make referrals on a case by case basis. back to top
What are the benefits of Hosting a Life Consultant?
- Reach out to service and family members that are not serviced currently.
- Provide informal easy to access information.
- Be present at times and locations where soldiers are – unit location.
- Reach out to customers that are geographically dispersed such as National Guard and Reserve families and soldiers.
- Conduct individual or group coaching and training sessions that address particular needs, i.e. meeting your baby for the first time, single soldiers reunion, parenting after deployment and others.
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What kinds of qualifications do LCs have?
- Licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
- Training in Military soldier and family support programs
- Knowledge of referral sources
- Sensitivity to clients' issues
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Will the LCs provide formal counseling/treatment?
No. The purpose of having mental health professionals is for the knowledge base to consult informally with soldiers and families and identify early signs of stress. LCs will suggest resources such as ACS, One Source, Chaplains, Care Managers, Social Work Services, etc. back to top
What procedures are followed in the event a LC encounters a high risk person/situation?
LCs are obligated by ethical and professional standards (regardless of their state of licensing) to report any cases where someone may be in danger of harming themselves or another person. In this case, the LC will contact Army Community Service for the referral or if needed, an immediate POC at any given location. An ACS Program Manager is on call at all times 24/7.
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Will our unit/organization be assigned to the same LCs repeatedly?
Army Community Service will do its best to marry units with the same group of LCs whenever possible.
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What is a good ratio of LCs to Soldiers and Family Members?
ACS will assist units/organizations when requesting LCs, consider the following factors:
- Accessibility provided by Command to unit areas
- Number of personnel redeploying
- Active Duty/NG/RC
- Time spent deployed
- Awareness of potential problems
- Unit's redeployment schedule
- Unit's/Soldiers' experiences during combat
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How can I request a Life Consultant for my unit?
ACS will provide a LC Request Form and guidance for Commanders or Rear Detachment to contact Army Community Service (910) 432-3742. The following information will need to be provided: redeployment date and time and number of service members returning. Space will need to be provided for life consultant, such as:
- Day Room
- Motor Pool
- Dining Facilities
- FRG Meetings
- Barracks
- Gyms
- Green Ramp
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How Soldiers and Family Members learn about the Life Consultant Program?
In addition to unit placement, ACS provides posters and business cards for distribution and information though various media outlets. Your unit may consider posting a sign. Download a poster.
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Are there any Fort Bragg success stories?
The first Life Consultants arrived at Fort Bragg May 25th 2005. They were hosted by former COSCOM units, retuning from a year deployment. Commanders welcomed Life Consultants at their areas and Chaplains worked closely with Life Consultants ensuring that all service members had an opportunity to share their experiences. back to top
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