January 26, 2011
Military families can expect more support in the future but the way they receive information about that support has not yet been finalized, according to Ms. Barbara Thompson, Director of the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth.
In a Department of Defense bloggers roundtable on Tuesday, Ms. Thompson outlined some of the programs that will be offered as a result of the White House’s announcement on Monday that they have directed agencies across the government to find new ways to support America’s military families. “In order for this to be enduring, families have to take advantage of the programs available to them,” Thompson said. Few details were given however, on how military families will find out about new services or programs designed to support them.
Currently, families can access this information at
www.whitehouse.gov but as the interagency initiative evolves, she acknowledged there would be a need for a central clearing house of resources. “Every one gets their information differently,” she commented and indicated that officials are currently looking at the best way to deliver that information.
Some programs have already begun and pre-date the announcement by the White House. Ms. Thompson referenced a program started last year in conjunction with Blue Star Families that allowed free access for service members and their families to museums across the country.
Thompson acknowledged that strategic communication will be vital and will have to include mechanisms for feedback from military families as new programs are rolled out. Prior to the launch of the initiative, Thompson said military families were consulted through surveys and in “listening sessions” around the country. She indicated that would continue, but currently there is no formal military family advisory board is in place for the initiative.
Find out What SpouseBUZZ contributor Amy Bushatz has to say about the program in her
blog.