DoD Instruction 1342.22, Military Family Readiness

DOD INSTRUCTION 1342.22
MILITARY FAMILY READINESS
Originating Component:

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

Effective:

August 5, 2021

Releasability:

Cleared for public release. Available on the Directives Division Website
at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.

Reissues and Cancels:

DoD Instruction 1342.22, “Military Family Readiness,” July 3, 2012, as
amended

Approved by:

Virginia S. Penrod, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness

Purpose: In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive 5124.02, this issuance:
• Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures and requirements for
supporting military family readiness (MFR) through a system that maximizes access to a network of
programs and services that promotes MFR, hereinafter referred to in this issuance as the Military Family
Readiness System (MFRS).
•

Identifies requirements for:
o MFR services.

o MFR service providers.

o Performance Management.

o Local governance and coordination.
•

Establishes the Military Family Readiness Coordinating Committee (MFRCC).

DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION .............................................................................. 5
1.1. Applicability. .................................................................................................................... 5
1.2. Policy. ............................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 6
2.1. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)). ........................ 6
2.2. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASD(M&RA)). ..... 6
2.3. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness. ................................................................. 7
2.4. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. ........................................................... 7
2.5. Director, Defense Human Resources Activity. ................................................................. 7
2.6. Secretaries of the Military Departments. .......................................................................... 7
SECTION 3: MFRS......................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Overview of the MFRS. .................................................................................................. 11
3.2. Exception to Policy. ........................................................................................................ 12
SECTION 4: SERVICES .................................................................................................................... 14
4.1. Military Family Well-Being. .......................................................................................... 14
a. Career. .......................................................................................................................... 14
b. Social............................................................................................................................ 14
c. Financial. ...................................................................................................................... 14
d. Health. .......................................................................................................................... 14
e. Community. .................................................................................................................. 14
4.2. Available Services. ......................................................................................................... 14
a. Relocation Assistance. ................................................................................................. 14
b. Non-Medical Clinical Counseling. .............................................................................. 16
c. Personal and Family Life Education. ........................................................................... 16
d. Financial Readiness. .................................................................................................... 16
e. Information and Referral (I&R) Services. ................................................................... 17
f. Deployment Readiness. ................................................................................................ 17
g. Employment Readiness. ............................................................................................... 18
h. Exceptional Family Member Program Services. ......................................................... 19
i. Child Abuse Prevention and Response Services. ......................................................... 19
j. Domestic Abuse Prevention and Response Services. ................................................... 19
k. Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) Response Services. 20
l. MWR Services. ............................................................................................................. 20
m. EFA. ............................................................................................................................ 20
n. Transition Assistance. .................................................................................................. 25
4.3. Service Delivery.............................................................................................................. 25
a. Principles. ..................................................................................................................... 25
b. Access Points. .............................................................................................................. 26
SECTION 5: MFR SERVICE PROVIDERS ......................................................................................... 28
5.1. Qualifications. ................................................................................................................. 28
5.2. Training. .......................................................................................................................... 28
5.3. Supervision. .................................................................................................................... 28
5.4. Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect. ...................................... 28
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
5.5. Volunteers. ...................................................................................................................... 28
5.6. Contracted Personnel. ..................................................................................................... 29
SECTION 6: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................... 30
a. Accreditation or Certification. ..................................................................................... 30
b. Assessment of Needs. .................................................................................................. 30
c. Monitoring.................................................................................................................... 31
d. Evaluation. ................................................................................................................... 31
e. Annual Report. ............................................................................................................. 31
f. DoD-Wide Surveys of Military Spouses. ..................................................................... 31
SECTION 7: MFRCC ..................................................................................................................... 32
a. MFRCC Chair. ............................................................................................................. 32
b. MFRCC Membership................................................................................................... 32
c. MFRCC Role. .............................................................................................................. 32
SECTION 8: MFR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION STANDARDS ............................................................ 34
8.1. Guidance. ........................................................................................................................ 34
8.2. Administration and Management. ................................................................................... 34
8.3. Human Resources. .......................................................................................................... 35
8.4. Administrative and Service Environment. ...................................................................... 36
8.5. EFA. ................................................................................................................................ 37
8.6. EFMP. ............................................................................................................................. 38
8.7. FAP. ................................................................................................................................ 40
8.8. Financial Readiness Program.......................................................................................... 42
8.9. Relocation Assistance Program. ..................................................................................... 43
8.10. Deployment Assistance Program. ................................................................................. 44
8.11. Transition Assistance Program. .................................................................................... 45
8.12. Employment Assistance Program. ................................................................................ 46
8.13. Personal and Family Life Education. ............................................................................ 47
8.14. Non-Medical Individual and Family Counseling. ........................................................ 48
8.15. Volunteer Management. ................................................................................................ 49
GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 51
G.1. Acronyms. ...................................................................................................................... 51
G.2. Definitions. ..................................................................................................................... 52
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 56
TABLES
Table 1. MFR Program Standard: Administration and Management ......................................... 35
Table 2. MFR Program Standard: Human Resources ................................................................. 35
Table 3. MFR Program Standard: Administrative and Service Environment ............................ 36
Table 4. MFR Program Standard: EFA ...................................................................................... 38
Table 5. MFR Program Standard: EFMP ................................................................................... 38
Table 6. MFR Program Standard: FAP....................................................................................... 40
Table 7. MFR Program Standard: Financial Counseling Program ............................................. 43
Table 8. MFR Program Standard: Relocation Assistance Program ............................................ 44
Table 9. MFR Program Standard: Deployment Assistance Program ......................................... 45
Table 10. MFR Program Standard: Transition Assistance Program........................................... 46
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
Table 11.
Table 12.
Table 13.
Table 14.

MFR Program Standard:
MFR Program Standard:
MFR Program Standard:
MFR Program Standard:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Employment Assistance Program ...................................... 47
Personal and Family Life Education .................................. 48
Non-Medical Individual and Family Counseling ............... 48
Volunteer Management ...................................................... 49

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 1: GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION
1.1. APPLICABILITY.
This issuance applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of Inspector General of
the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other
organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this issuance as the “DoD
Components”).
1.2. POLICY.
It is DoD policy to:
a. Provide MFR services through a Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) at
installations with 500 or more Service members. Maximize diverse forms of service delivery.
b. Correlate the type and level of MFR services provided to address the needs resulting from
the unique challenges associated with military lifestyle across the domains of MFR. These
programs and services must include, but are not limited to:
(1) Personal and family life readiness.
(2) Financial readiness.
(3) Mobilization and deployment.
(4) Relocation.
c. Make access to services voluntary, except when otherwise required by law, DoD
regulation, or other policy or command authority.
d. Provide services to support the personnel and the mission of the DoD. Eligibility is
contingent on the status of the sponsor. Eligible patrons include:
(1) All Service members, families as defined in the Glossary, and, when authorized by
law or the Secretary of Military Department concerned, other designated populations, such as
civilian personnel and eligible surviving dependents of the Service member.
(2) Where it addresses emergency family assistance (EFA), as covered in Paragraph
4.2.m., applies to DoD personnel, including DoD civilian employees, DoD families, DoD and
non-DoD tenants, transient DoD and other U.S. Government personnel, and DoD contract
personnel residing or working on DoD installations worldwide.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 2: RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1. UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READINESS
(USD(P&R)).
The USD(P&R):
a. Monitors compliance with this issuance.
b. Establishes partnerships, pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, with Federal and
non-Federal entities to enhance MFR services, as appropriate.
c. Leverages available resources within and across the MFRS.
d. Pursuant to Section 1781 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.), maintains the Office of
Military Family Readiness Policy, under the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military
Community and Family Policy (DASD(MC&FP)).
2.2. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR MANPOWER AND RESERVE
AFFAIRS (ASD(M&RA)).
Under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), the ASD(M&RA), through the
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy:
a. Provides direct oversight of MFR services through the regular collection and analysis of
fiscal, manpower, facility, and needs assessment information from the DoD Components.
b. Provides dedicated staff to oversee implementation of this issuance.
c. Ensures implementation of an MFRS performance management strategy in collaboration
with the DoD Components.
d. Initiates, coordinates, and tracks research activities related to MFR, and ensures that such
research, needs assessments, program evaluation studies, and promising practices are catalogued
and made available to stakeholders.
e. Integrates and uses research findings to inform policy and programmatic decisions, as
applicable.
f. Provides guidance and technical assistance to the Military Departments in applying
research findings to policy and program management.
g. Develops and implements MFR communication plans to:
(1) Promote consistency in messages.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(2) Educate the broader military, Federal, and civilian communities about the
relationship between MFR and operational readiness and the MFRS.
(3) Promote referrals by those who have direct contact with Service members and
families, including health care providers, school personnel, legal personnel, chaplains, and child
care providers, to the MFR services and those provided by the military service organizations
(MSOs), as appropriate.
h. Designates a representative to the DoD Emergency Management Steering Group pursuant
to DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6055.17.
i. Coordinates with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and
Training regarding policy and procedures for financial readiness services offered by the MFRS.
j. Provides centralized and comprehensive data management and analysis for the DoD.
k. Shares lessons learned related to services for application to the expeditionary civilian
workforce.
l. Coordinates with the Director of Defense Human Resources Activity regarding transition
assistance and deployment support offered in the MFRS.
2.3. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR READINESS.
Under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Readiness provides oversight of policy and procedures for financial readiness services
offered through the MFRS.
2.4. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR HEALTH AFFAIRS.
Under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Health Affairs ensures that Military Health System personnel are aware of and engage with
relevant MFRS resources to ensure Service members and families are referred, as applicable.
2.5. DIRECTOR, DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY.
Under the authority, direction, and control of the USD(P&R), the Director, Defense Personnel
and Family Support Center, with policy direction, from the ASD(M&RA), will provide oversight
for transition assistant services through the Military-Civilian Transition Office and deployment
support through the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (see DoDI 1342.28).
2.6. SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.
The Secretaries of the Military Departments:

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
a. Establish implementing guidance pursuant to this issuance and forward a copy to the
ASD(M&RA) within 180 calendar days of the publication of this issuance. To the extent
possible, the Military Departments should encourage use of terminology (e.g., program labels)
which is in accordance with this issuance to minimize confusion for end users.
b. Allocate adequate resources to implement the requirements of this issuance, ensuring that
MFR services are available to all Service members and families regardless of geographic
location or proximity to military installations.
c. Ensure service provider training is available.
d. Provide MFR services using appropriated funds. When operated as a morale, welfare, and
recreation program activity, the Secretary of the Military Department concerned may also
provide MFR services in full or in part using nonappropriated funds through Uniform Funding
and Management practice under the authority provided by Section 2491 of Title 10, U.S. Code,
and pursuant to DoDI 1015.10, DoDI 1015.15, and DoDI 4105.67. Use of morale, welfare, and
recreation (MWR) utilization support and accountability practice is prohibited.
e. Ensure integration of the Reserve Component (RC) in all aspects of the MFRS. Identify
and address needs that are unique to the RC. Work collaboratively with the RC to fill service
delivery gaps.
f. Collaborate with the ASD(M&RA) to develop and implement an MFR performance
management strategy pursuant to Section 6 of this issuance, including:
(1) Submission of the annual report on MFR programs to the DASD(MC&FP) Office of
MFR Policy no later than January 15.
(2) Submission of the triennial needs assessments to the DASD(MC&FP) Office of MFR
Policy no later than September 30.
(3) Accredit or certify MFR programs pursuant to Section 6 of this issuance.
(a) Following certification or accreditation, the specific Military Department, through
its Office of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, must submit a request for a DoD memorandum of
compliance to the DASD(MC&FP) Office of MFR Policy, acknowledging that an MFR program
has achieved accreditation or certification.
(b) This memorandum of compliance must be displayed in public view or retained on
file within the facility.
(4) Coordination of periodic site visits to access points in order to evaluate compliance
with this issuance.
(5) Participation in research-based program evaluation to inform decisions regarding
sustainment, modification, or termination of MFR services.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
g. Coordinate programming with the Military Departments and other Federal and
non-Federal entities to avoid redundancy and maximize the use of existing resources to the
greatest extent possible pursuant to Service level directives or policies.
h. Assist Service members in fulfilling their responsibility to prepare their families for
mission-related absence(s).
i. Ensure that local communities, including military families, commanders, medical
personnel, chaplains, child and youth services personnel, school personnel, and communitybased service providers, as appropriate, are educated about:
(1) The unique cultures of each Military Service.
(2) The rewards and challenges of military service.
(3) The relationship between MFR and operational readiness.
(4) The integrated system of support available to military families for managing the
unique challenges of the military life-cycle.
(5) The availability of Military OneSource (MOS), as a Department-wide online
resource and call center available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
j. Ensure establishment of an MFRCC or equivalent council, pursuant to Section 7 of this
issuance.
k. Establish policies and procedures that direct commanders to:
(1) Encourage the use of MFR services by Service members and families to promote
mission readiness, MFR, and resiliency.
(2) Leverage the MFRS to help them identify potentially challenging family issues and
mitigate the impact of these issues on operational readiness, including:
(a) Consult regularly with MFR program leadership and service providers to keep
military families informed of services which address MFR-related challenges.
(b) Stress the importance of prevention, early intervention, and making connections
with needed resources and referrals using anti-stigma leadership messaging and communication
strategies.
(c) Promote MOS, the Military Health System, and key DoD hotlines and helplines,
as supplemental support and points of access within the MFRS.
(d) Refer Service members under their command for financial counseling services
within the MFRS when notified of a members’ financial difficulty or indebtedness.
(3) Support Total Force joint-Service MFR efforts to maximize DoD and regional
cooperation, planning, and information sharing. Capabilities resident at the DoD level, in the
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
Military Departments and through other Federal, State, and local entities should be used to
maximize connections to MFR support and sources of assistance.
(4) Ensure the duty to notify the labor organization at the level of the exclusive
recognition of the annual training and mandatory reporting requirements established in Section 5
of this issuance, and the obligation to bargain to the extent required by Chapter 71 of Title 5,
U.S.C., over proposals submitted by the exclusive representative are satisfied prior to
implementation, as applicable.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 3: MFRS
3.1. OVERVIEW OF THE MFRS.
The MFRS is comprised of MFR services operated by the DoD and other Federal, State, and
community based agencies and organizations. These programs and services may be delivered
through face-to-face, telephonic, virtual, or electronic messaging services. The MFRS must
emphasize MFR and resilience, including career, social, financial, health, and community wellbeing.
a. The role of MFRS must be incorporated into military and family readiness organizational
goals that support the recruitment, retention, morale, and operational readiness of the military
force.
b. MFRS services may include, but are not limited to, MFSCs, RC family programs, MWR
programs, medical treatment facilities, faith based programs, child, youth and school programs,
sexual violence prevention and response services, suicide prevention services, exceptional family
member programs (EFMPs), and family advocacy programs (FAPs).
c. The mission of the MFRS is to help Service members and family members with the
challenges of daily living experienced in the unique context of military lifestyle. The MFSCs
and RC MFR services perform the critical roles of:
(1) Assisting commanders in preventing, identifying, and addressing MFR-related
challenges in order to maintain unit cohesion and operational readiness. MFSCs and RC MFR
service providers serve as consultants to commanders in this effort.
(2) Providing easy access to a network of high-quality integrated support services.
(3) Working with external agencies and organizations in support of military families and
referring Service members and families to resources.
(4) Providing awareness and outreach services as well as electronic messaging services.
d. The MFRS must:
(1) Be allocated the necessary resources to accomplish its mission.
(2) Be designed, funded, and managed:
(a) Using results obtained from a performance management strategy, referenced in
Section 6 that includes assessment of needs, fiscal support, manpower, program information,
accreditation or certification, monitoring, and evaluation of MFR services.
(b) To enable services, staff, and resources to be surged, drawn down, or evolved to
respond to the needs of Service members and family members throughout the military lifecycle.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(c) To maximize diverse forms of an integrated service delivery including, but not
limited to, face-to-face, web-based and technology capabilities, telephone, social media,
referrals, and co-location of services.
(d) To address the varied composition, diversity, and demographics of Service
members and families.
(3) Promote military recruitment and retention, and support commanders’ ability to
maintain a mission-ready force.
(4) Promote interagency collaboration, referrals, and service delivery coordination within
and among Federal and non-Federal entities to identify and achieve common MFR goals and
improve communication and connections between service providers, Service members and
families pursuant to DoDI 1000.15.
(5) Link informal networks (e.g., family, friends, neighbors) and formal networks (e.g.,
schools, faith based, medical, professionals) to promote a sense of community well-being and to
optimize Service member and family readiness, pursuant to this issuance.
(6) Involve key stakeholders (e.g., Service members, family members, service providers,
DoD leaders, MSOs) in the development of short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to meet the
needs of Service members and families.
(7) Provide responsive, effective, and coordinated assistance and support to Service
members and families.
(8) Use national certification program standards and standardized assessment tools to
ensure that the services outlined in this issuance are available, accessible, and have the intended
impact.
(9) Work collaboratively with public affairs offices to create and implement uniform and
comprehensive communication strategies targeted to Service members, families, service
providers, MSO, commanders, and communities.
(10) Maximize awareness and outreach and engagement to reach those who are in
remote locations, or in need of flexible scheduling. The DoD will use multi-media strategies
(e.g., social media channels, web services, virtual events) to deliver support services to enhance
military family well-being and prevent life-cycle issues and problems.
(11) Promote MOS and refer Service members and families to both website and call
center, for virtual information tools and resources, to include non-medical counseling. MOS can
be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
3.2. EXCEPTION TO POLICY.
Requests for exceptions to the policy resulting from this Instruction will be coordinated through
the Military Department Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs concerned and
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
submitted to the DASD(MC&FP) Office of MFR Policy, for approval by the ASD(M&RA).
Exceptions to policy will be narrowly scoped to specific factual situations or for limited
durations of time.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 4: SERVICES
4.1. MILITARY FAMILY WELL-BEING.
Service members and families have primary responsibility for their own well-being. Military
family well-being, in the context of MFR, is the ability of individuals and families to maintain
positive outcomes across the MFR domains. Military family well-being contributes to retention,
resilience, readiness, and quality of life. MFR domains are supported through the MFR System
and MFR programs and services and include:
a. Career.
The satisfaction an individual or family has with their occupation and the military as a career.
b. Social.
The ability that individuals and families possess to engage in meaningful relationships with
others.
c. Financial.
The ability of individuals and families to successfully manage their personal financial
responsibilities in support of their wartime responsibilities.
d. Health.
The ability for individuals and families to manage their overall physical and mental health.
e. Community.
The ability for individuals and families to meaningfully engage in the communities where
they live.
4.2. AVAILABLE SERVICES.
The following services must be available to Service members and their families. Services may
be referred when deemed necessary and appropriate.
a. Relocation Assistance.
Pursuant to Section 1056 of Title 10, U.S.C., relocation assistance must be available to
Service members who are ordered to make a permanent change of station (PCS) and families of
such members who are authorized to move in connection with the PCS.
(1) Services must include, but are not limited to:

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(a) Information, education, and referrals related to destination area preparation and
settling-in, with emphasis on:
1. Moving costs.
2. Housing options and home-finding assistance.
3. Child care.
4. Services for family members with special needs.
5. Spouse employment opportunities.
6. Schools.
7. Cultural adaptation.
8. Immigration information and referrals.
and DoD).

9. Community orientation and resources (local, regional, Military Departments,

(b) Workshops and financial counseling, in coordination with personal finance
service providers about financial management, home buying and selling; renting; stress
management related to moving; property management; tax implications, and shipment and
storage of household goods.
(c) Sponsorship training and support services to facilitate cost-effective and efficient
transition to a new community and unit.
(d) Pursuant to DoDI 1315.18, provide information and education about the housing
treatment flexibility options available to Service members regarding a move to a new duty
station.
(2) Relocation information and resources must be available via a secure, DoDmaintained, computerized information system (CIS) for the Military Departments. If an
installation has less than 500 Service members, submitting information for inclusion on the CIS
is by direction of the Military Department’s MFRS director. For all installations included on the
CIS:
(a) Relocation information (e.g., phone, email, links, address, content) must be
continuously updated in the CIS by installation relocation assistance service providers or
designee.
(b) Relocation information must be certified quarterly in the CIS by the installation
relocation assistance service provider or designee.
(c) Relocation assistance service providers must inform military personnel offices
about the CIS so they may access information on locations of possible future duty assignments.
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
b. Non-Medical Clinical Counseling.
The MFRS must provide non-medical counseling services, short-term and solution focused
for circumstances amenable to brief intervention, including but not limited to stress, anger
management, grief and loss, the deployment cycle, parent-child relationships, couples
communication, marital issues, and relocations pursuant to DoDI 6490.06.
c. Personal and Family Life Education.
Personal and family life education must provide:
(1) Education and enrichment services that focus on increasing resilience, building and
maintaining healthy relationships, enhancing protective factors, strengthening interpersonal
competencies and problem-solving skills, and mastering respective roles, tasks, and
responsibilities throughout the military family life cycle.
(2) Education and information should include, but are not limited to, parenting
education, interpersonal, and couples communications.
d. Financial Readiness.
The MFRS must provide services for the financial readiness of the force pursuant to
Section 992 of Title 10, U.S.C. These services include proactive lifecycle financial education
and counseling services that provide Service members and families with the tools and
information they need to develop individual strategies to meet financial goals and achieve
financial readiness. These services must:
(1) Provide financial readiness, common military training, in accordance with Directivetype Memorandum 19-009.
(2) Provide factual, unbiased financial counseling to Service members and families upon
request regardless of Component, type, or location of assignment through personnel qualified to
provide factual, unbiased information and assist them with developing skills and strategies to
meet financial goals and achieve and maintain financial readiness. Counseling should address, at
a minimum, the subject matter identified in Directive-type Memorandum 19-009.
(a) The Military Departments must ensure, at a minimum, one staff member within
the installation-based MFSC is designated and trained to serve as a personal financial manager
and provide financial literacy education and counseling to the military community in accordance
with Section 992 of Title 10, U.S.C.
(b) Staff members must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
or other accredited institution of higher learning or a combination of education and experience
which equips them to serve as a personal financial manager. They must obtain and maintain a
nationally recognized financial counselor certification pursuant to Military Department
implementing guidance.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(3) Provide assistance identifying and resolving potential violations of consumer rights
and remedies available in law or policy, including referral to appropriate authorities for reporting
and further assistance.
(4) Conduct awareness and outreach with other MFRS programs and services to
encourage family member participation in financial readiness services.
e. Information and Referral (I&R) Services.
I&R services must provide Service members and families with the full range of support
services, information, tools (including on-line), and resources available through the MFRS that
meet an identified need. This includes:
(1) Assessing needs and connecting Service members and families to appropriate
services across the MFRS.
(2) Making referrals to DoD-operated and community resources.
(3) Meeting regularly with other service providers (e.g., medical, school, child
development, chaplains) to share updated information and resources.
(4) Working closely with Service members and families to assess and identify needs and
connect them with services through the MFRS.
(5) Identifying Service members and families who may be experiencing trauma or crisis
(e.g., domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, sexual assault, mental health emergencies) to
ensure they are connected or referred to the appropriate helping professional or resource.
f. Deployment Readiness.
Deployment readiness must provide programs and services to Service members and family
members before, during, and after deployment to promote a positive adjustment to deployment,
family separation, family reunion, and reintegration. Deployment readiness programs and
services may be provided to DoD civilian employees when authorized by law or the Secretary of
the Military Department concerned. The Military Departments must:
(1) Provide deployment readiness programs and services for mobilizations, activations,
and deployments lasting longer than 30 days and those happening as a unit or individually.
(2) Educate Service members and families about potential deployment-related challenges
and the available support programs and services. Ensure that information regarding the longterm needs around reintegration is included as well as the services available to help manage and
build skills to assist with future separations and deployments.
(3) Initiate services early in the deployment cycle to ensure Service members and
families have adequate time to act on the information and services they receive.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(4) Ensure ongoing awareness and outreach, communication, activities, and events with
deploying and deployed units, Service members, and families throughout all phases of
deployment to promote prevention and early identification of challenges that may compromise
military, personal, or family readiness.
(5) Provide assistance and information, as requested, in developing family care plans
pursuant to DoDI 1342.19.
g. Employment Readiness.
Employment readiness must provide services that strengthen the education and career
opportunities of relocating and transitioning military spouses, and other family members.
(1) Pursuant to Sections 1784 and 1784a of Title 10, U.S.C., education and career
opportunity services must include:
(a) Career and educational exploration opportunities to help individuals understand
their skills and interests, establish priorities and goals, and develop plans, which will lead to goal
attainment.
(b) Information regarding DoD programs designed specifically to assist military
spouses in their educational and employment endeavors. These programs should include, but not
be limited to:
1. MOS.
“SECO.”
“MSEP.”

2. Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, commonly referred to as
3. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership, commonly referred to as
4. The My Career Advancement Account, commonly referred to as “MyCAA.”

(c) Education and training to help individuals identify academic, licensing, and
credentialing requirements that can help them reach career and employment goals and access
financial assistance resources.
(d) Employment readiness assistance to optimize skills such as job search methods,
resume writing, interview techniques, and networking.
(e) Employment connections that promote the hiring of individuals through local and
national efforts. This includes the utilization of community partnerships, MSOs, Veteran service
organizations, online career networks, job fairs, and Federal appointment authorities.
(f) Information regarding the various hiring authorities available to military spouses
such as “preference for military spouses for civilian employment” as outlined in Volume 315 of
DoDI 1400.25.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(2) At a minimum, one staff member within the installation-based MFSC must be
designated to execute employment readiness services for the military community.
(3) When assessing the need for employment services, service providers must identify
opportunities to refer relocating and transitioning military spouses, and other family members to
services for support, education, information, and resources.
(4) On behalf of the Military Departments and DoD Components, the DoD will serve as
a liaison to other Federal departments and agencies for the purpose of developing strong working
relationships and partnership initiatives, which facilitate career, education and employment
opportunities for Service members and their family.
(5) Pursuant to Section 476(p) of Title 37, U.S.C., provide information on entitlements
available for reimbursement of qualifying costs associated with professional licensure of a
Service member’s spouse when the member is reassigned as a PCS or permanent change of
assignment from a duty station in one State to a duty station in another State.
(a) Qualifying relicensing costs include exam and registration fees that are imposed
to secure license or certification to engage in the same profession that the spouse of the member
engaged in while in the State of the original duty station.
(b) The movement of the Service member’s dependents must be authorized at the
expense of the United States as part of their reassignment.
(c) Funding will be allocated from the amounts otherwise made available for a fiscal
year to provide travel and transportation allowances.
(d) The Services must track the usage of this benefit on an annual basis and report to
the Office of the DASD(MC&FP). At a minimum, reporting will include the number of Service
members reimbursed and the total amount reimbursed.
h. Exceptional Family Member Program Services.
Family support services are provided via the EFMP pursuant to DoDI 1315.19.
i. Child Abuse Prevention and Response Services.
Child abuse prevention and response services are provided via the FAP pursuant to
DoDI 6400.01, DoD Manual (DoDM) 6400.01, DoDI 6400.05 and DoDI 6400.06.
j. Domestic Abuse Prevention and Response Services.
Domestic abuse prevention, victim advocacy, and clinical and non-clinical support services
are provided via the FAP pursuant to DoDI 6400.01, DoDM 6400.01, DoDI 6400.06, and
DoDI 6400.07.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
k. Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) Response Services.
PSB-CY response and services are provided via FAP pursuant to DoDI 6400.01 and
Volume 1 of DoDM 6400.01. Section 1089 of Public Law 115-232 established the requirement
for policy development and the involvement of FAP through a multi-disciplinary model to
respond to problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. Volume 1 of DoDI 6400.01
prescribes uniform program standards for all installation FAPs regarding PSB-CY.
l. MWR Services.
Provide MWR services pursuant to DoDI 1015.10.
m. EFA.
Pursuant to DoDI 6055.17, every DoD installation must develop and maintain a written
statement of policy that establishes, implements, and sustains EFA under the authority of the
installation emergency management plan.
(1) Where other DoD Components are on an installation hosted by a DoD entity that
provides military family support for the tenant organizations, development of a separate EFA
plan is not required by such tenant organizations. If the tenant organizations have unique
circumstances that are not addressed in the host installation EFA plan, the tenant organization
must develop and maintain an appropriate contingency plan that addresses the gaps in the host
installation EFA plan.
(2) Where Defense Agencies, DoD Field Activities, and other DoD Components are
tenant organizations hosted by non-DoD entities, appropriate contingency plans are required.
(3) At a minimum, EFA plans must include:
(a) A description of the EFA mission.
(b) Pursuant to Joint Publication 3-68, delivery of noncombatant repatriation
assistance for DoD and non-DoD civilian employees and DoD family members affected by an
authorized or ordered departure from an overseas country will be provided throughout the entire
safe haven period.
(c) The EFA response, which may be provided through various delivery modes
including, but not limited to, face-to-face, brick and mortar, virtual, telephonic, or the
establishment of an emergency family assistance center (EFAC). The EFA response must be the
central point for:
1. Delivery of the services, which address the practical and emotional needs of
families arising from the incident.
2. Coordination of family assistance services from governmental and nongovernmental entities.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
3. Continuous, authoritative, family assistance information for Service members,
families, service providers, leadership, and other stakeholders.
4. Coordination of services to assist family members with special needs.
5. Coordination of services to minimize risk and respond to families who may
experience domestic and intimate partner abuse, and child abuse and neglect.
(d) A concept of operations that describes the general sequence and scope of the EFA
response effort, which must include:
1. The sequence of activities for activating, sustaining, and deactivating an EFA
response, including criteria for assessing the types of services required based on the type of
incident.
2. Organizational responsibilities and plans for coordination among organizations
supporting the EFA response effort.
3. Execution of the EFA plan, including plans for synchronization of services
across the functional areas in Paragraph 4.2.m.(3)(g) of this issuance.
4. Plans for assessing the need for community support.
plan.

5. Integration of the EFA plan as part of the installation emergency management

6. An equipment and materials checklist to activate the EFA response or the
establishment of an EFAC.
(e) An organizational structure that outlines the functional responsibilities of the
EFAC. The EFAC organizational structure must include:
1. An EFAC staffing structure, including lines of succession and updated contact
rosters for key management and staff positions.
2. Documentation (e.g., memorandums of agreement, memorandums of
understanding) that defines the lines of communication and working relationships with relevant
installations and community-based organizations to include:
a. Emergency responders.
b. Service providers.
c. Other Service component commands.
d. Local, State, and Federal emergency management institutions.
e. Other organizations as deemed necessary by installation leadership.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

comprise:

(f) Responsibilities of the EFAC functional areas and the staff positions that

1. Management, which includes the EFAC director, a legal advisor, and a
casualty and mortuary affairs advisor.
2. Administration, which includes volunteer coordination, documentation,
reporting, communication, donation management, and registration functions.
3. Public affairs, which includes communications plans to address Service
members and their families as well as the media.
(g) Requirements that address the EFAC operational component, including the types
of services to be provided, personnel requirements for such services, and coordination among
service providers. At a minimum, plans must address requirements for the provision of:
1. Identification of medical needs and information on available medical services.
2. Coordination with casualty and mortuary affairs.
3. Religious and pastoral care.
4. Psychosocial services, including assessment, non-medical counseling
(inclusive of crisis intervention, stress counseling, and debriefs), and referrals to military or
community medical providers for persons requiring clinical mental health services.
5. Housing or temporary lodging services.
6. Transportation.
7. Translation and interpreter services.
8. Child and youth services.
9. Legal services.
benefits.

10. Financial services, including assistance with insurance, entitlements, and
11. I&R services.
12. Shelter management.
13. Personnel locator assistance.
14. Child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse services.

(h) Measures to provide safety, security, access control, and protection of privacy
consistent with:
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
1. Section 552a of Title 5, U.S.C., also known and referred to in this issuance as
the “Privacy Act of 1974.”
2. DoDI 5400.11, DoD 5400.11-R, and the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act Privacy Regulations as found in Parts 160, 162, and 164 of Title 45, Code of
Federal Regulations and implemented by DoDI 6025.18 and DoDM 6025.18, as applicable.
3. Privacy and security rules with respect to documentation of any medical
services provided.
4. Any casualty and mortuary-related information.
(i) Measures to ensure media-neutral life cycle management (i.e., creation,
maintenance, use, and disposition) of program records (paper and electronic) pursuant to
DoDI 5015.02.
(j) Coordination with installation and unit level MFR personnel, as appropriate.
(k) The administrative and logistics section of the plan must address:
1. Site and Facility.
The plan must list multiple site options for the delivery of EFA in the event of an
all-hazards incident. Site options must:
a. Include installation and community-based options.
b. Identify primary and secondary locations.
c. Be accessible, convenient, and secure. Proper security measures, which
must be in place throughout the duration of the emergency response, must ensure the safety and
comfort of individuals served and be coordinated with local law enforcement efforts.
d. Have adequate space to accommodate an intake area; private areas for the
provision of services to families; a briefing room; work centers for EFAC staff; space for the
provision of child and youth services; a command center with private meeting space; donation
collection area; and space to visually display information for families.
2. Equipment and Technology.
that:
system.
functions.

The plan must include equipment and technology requirements, including those
a. Enable the operation of a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year I&R telephone
b. Support accountability, assessment, communication, and reporting

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
3. Supplies.
The plan must include a supply list and actions for accessing required supplies in
the event of an all-hazards incident.
4. Transportation.
The plan must include requirements for various types of transportation support.
5. Communications.
The plan must include requirements for regular communication with:
a. Persons affected by the incident.
response effort.

b. EFAC staff, volunteers, and other organizations supporting the emergency
c. Installation emergency operations center.
d. Military Service headquarters.

6. Procedures.
The plan must include guidelines and procedures for:
a. Referral of individuals for emergency relief supplies and donations.
b. Collection and protection of information obtained from individuals served
during the EFA response, to include EFAC.
c. Documentation of EFA activities and preparation of an after-action report
as required in Section 6 of this issuance and pursuant to Military Service implementing guidance.
Such reports must be appropriately safeguarded, consistent with DoDI 5400.11, and forwarded to
the DASD(MC&FP) Office of MFR Policy within 90 days after the conclusion of the incident or
as prescribed by the USD(P&R).
(l) Training. Those providing support must be regularly trained on installation EFA
plans and procedures. Training must be provided, at a minimum, on an annual basis.
(m) Education. Service members, family members, DoD civilian employees, and
contractor personnel and their families must be provided with information on installation
emergency response procedures, including location(s) of the EFAC in the event of an incident.
(n) Exercises. Plans must be annually:
1. Tested as part of installation emergency management exercises pursuant to
DoDI 6055.17.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
2. Updated to address recommendations made in response to installation
emergency management exercises.
n. Transition Assistance.
Transition assistance services that prepare Service members and family members to reenter
civilian life are provided pursuant to DoDI 1332.35.
4.3. SERVICE DELIVERY.
a. Principles.
MFRS delivery models must be configured pursuant to these principles.
(1) Military and civilian personnel with direct oversight of MFR services must facilitate
collaboration among service providers. Additionally, they must integrate services provided
through access points to assist Service members and family members navigate the MFRS.
(2) Military family readiness service providers and official volunteers may contact
military family members with or without the Service member or sponsor’s consent when
relaying information in support of readiness.
(a) Information which may be relayed without consent may include, but is not
limited to, information to support deployment readiness, relocation, and personal financial
readiness; and MFR pamphlets, flyers, and other information on resources to connect military
families to services that build resilience and readiness and enhance quality of life.
(b) Personal information must be appropriately safeguarded and must not be released
without written consent and includes, but is not limited to, individual treatment or client records
for non-medical individual and family counseling, the Exceptional Family Member Program,
child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and substance abuse. Consult with legal
counselor or privacy program lead prior to release of information protected by the Privacy Act of
1974, DoDIs 5400.11 and 6025.18, DoDM 6025.18, and Part 2 of Title 42, Code of Federal
Regulations, as applicable.
(3) Military family readiness service providers must conduct regular awareness and
outreach to command representatives, MFR unit liaisons, Service members and families, and
civilian service providers to:
(a) Maximize opportunities to work with the command to regularly share official
information (e.g., program and event schedules, points of contact, location, and availability of
services) with military families.
(b) Promote awareness of services and encourage proactive engagement by MFR unit
liaisons, Service members, family members, and civilian service providers.
(c) Enhance individuals’ ability to navigate the various MFRS access points.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(d) Ensure access to services by remote and isolated Service members and families.
(4) Service delivery must optimize military-civilian, inter-department, and inter-agency
collaboration opportunities to:
(a) Augment services, and close service delivery gaps, as appropriate.
(b) Provide services to remote and isolated Service members and families.
(c) Identify and eliminate duplication of service.
services.

(d) Promote timely and appropriate referrals of Service members and families to

(5) Service delivery must accommodate an array of modalities, effectively using
technology to improve the capacity of the MFRS to provide Service members and families with
easy and rapid access to high-quality information and resources, wherever they reside.
(6) The MFRS must deliver services in a manner consistent with needs, pursuant to
Section 6.
b. Access Points.
Access points may include, but are not limited to:
(1) MFSCs, which must:
(a) Be accessible by Service members and families and, pursuant to Service
implementing guidance, other populations designated by the Secretary of the Military
Department concerned.
(b) Comply with Unified Facilities Criteria 4-730-01.
(2) RC Family Programs must be:
(a) Knowledgeable about DoD-operated and community services to link families to
services in a timely manner.
(b) Accessible by Service members and families regardless of activation status.
(3) MOS, which must:
(a) Augment MFR services provided through the Military Departments and other
DoD Components by providing information, referrals, and confidential non-medical counseling
services.
(b) Be available to Service members and families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
(c) Be accessible by Service members and families pursuant to DoDI 6490.06.
SECTION 4: SERVICES

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(4) Military medical treatment facilities which, pursuant to applicable Defense Health
Agency implementing guidance, may provide EFMP and FAP medical support and other
medical services.

SECTION 4: SERVICES

27

DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 5: MFR SERVICE PROVIDERS
5.1. QUALIFICATIONS.
Military Departments must ensure service providers possess the requisite education, training,
certifications, qualifications and experience to meet the requirements for the performance of their
duties and responsibilities and pursuant to Military Departments and Service implementing
guidance.
5.2. TRAINING.
Service providers will receive training, pursuant with Military Service implementing guidance,
for the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.
a. Ongoing employee training and professional development requirements must be
established and monitored to ensure that requirements are met.
b. Initial and ongoing training must include training about the variety of services and
supports available to families across the MFRS.
c. Additional training requirements should include processes and procedures for assessing
the needs of Service members and families who are experiencing a significant life transition
(e.g., deployment or move); trauma or crisis (e.g., mental health emergencies, child abuse and
neglect, domestic and intimate partner abuse, sexual abuse, PSB-CY) to ensure they are
connected with the appropriate helping professional or resource.
d. Annual training regarding the identification, prevention, and reporting of suspected child
abuse and neglect.
5.3. SUPERVISION.
Service providers must receive the supervision and support necessary to effectively perform their
duties and responsibilities.
5.4. MANDATORY REPORTING OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.
Military family readiness service providers and volunteers must report any suspicion of child
abuse and neglect to the appropriate child welfare agency and the appropriate Family Advocacy
Program office.
5.5. VOLUNTEERS.
Programs to recognize volunteers for their efforts in support of MFR programs must be
encouraged. Volunteers must be utilized pursuant to Section 1588 of Title 10, U.S.C.;
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
Section 3111 of Title 5, U.S.C.; Part 308 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
DoDI 1100.21.
5.6. CONTRACTED PERSONNEL.
Service providers who are contracted to provide MFR services must possess the requisite
education, training, certifications, qualifications, and experiences to meet the requirements for
the performance of their duties and responsibilities pursuant to Military Departments and Service
implementing guidance and the awarded contract.

SECTION 5: MFR SERVICE PROVIDERS

29

DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 6: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
A performance management strategy must be in place to address the need for overarching
consistency and Service-specificity of MFR programs. The performance management strategy
must assess elements of cost, quality, effectiveness, utilization, accessibility, and customer
satisfaction. The performance management strategy must include:
a. Accreditation or Certification.
(1) To ensure the requirements for MFR services in Section 4 are met, the Military
Departments must meet national standards of quality by:
(a) Achieving accreditation through a national accrediting body with published
standards; or
(b) Undergoing an internal certification process utilizing MFR Program certification
standards referenced in Section 8.
(2) Based on the integrated service delivery model, the Military Department may have
standards that are considered as “non-applicable”; therefore, these standards will not be
considered for evaluation.
(3) The DoD MFR Program standards for achieving certification are considered to be the
minimum standards. Military Departments have the option to include additional standards to
evaluate programs and services. The Military Departments must:
(a) Be accredited or certified not less than once every 4 years.
(b) Request a DoD memorandum of compliance once the Military Department or
organization has granted the MFR program certification or accreditation pursuant to Paragraph
2.6.f.(3)(a) of this issuance.
b. Assessment of Needs.
Except where services are mandated by law, the content and delivery of services must be
based on documented needs of Service members and families.
(1) Service-wide assessments of needs will be conducted at least every 3 years pursuant
to Section 1782 of Title 10 U.S.C. to determine:
(a) The types of services needed and who needs them.
(b) The level at which there is a need (e.g., local, regional, Service-wide, DoD-wide).
(c) Priority order of needs.
(d) How Service members and families are accessing or prefer to access services and
information.
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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
(2) The DoD will integrate needs assessment data from viable, research-based sources
and share with the Military Departments as well as the Military Family Readiness Council
(MFRC).
c. Monitoring.
Personnel from the Military Service headquarters, as part of their oversight responsibilities,
must periodically visit access pointes to ensure compliance with this issuance and the
certification standards. Personnel from the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense,
Military Community and Family Policy, Office of Military Family Readiness Policy may visit
access points, in conjunction with the Military Services. These visits may be part of the
accreditation and certification process or general oversight responsibilities.
d. Evaluation.
The impact of services must be measured through program evaluation that uses process and
outcome measures that are linked to specific needs assessment data and measurable performance
goals. Evaluations must produce either qualitative or quantitative data that are used to inform
decisions regarding sustainment, modification, or termination of MFR services.
e. Annual Report.
Pursuant to DoDI 5015.02 and Paragraph 2.6.f.(1) of this issuance, the annual report on MFR
programs must be provided annually. Accreditation or certification results and any EFA after
action reports must be included in the report.
f. DoD-Wide Surveys of Military Spouses.
The Office of the USD(P&R) will conduct DoD-wide scientific surveys of spouses of
Service members on military family well-being and the effectiveness of MFR programs pursuant
to Section 1782(a) of Title 10, U.S.C.
(1) The surveys will be developed and conducted by the Defense Human Resources
Agency, the Office of People Analytics, in conjunction with the Office of the DASD(MC&FP).
(2) The survey of spouses of active duty Service members and the survey of spouses of
RC Service members will be conducted in alternating years.
(3) The topics of spouse surveys will include, but are not limited to: well-being of
military spouses, relocation, spouse employment and education, well-being of military children,
child care, health, life in the military, deployments, reunion and reintegration, and financial wellbeing. The surveys may also cover other relevant topics to help DoD determine the effectiveness
of MFR programs and the needs of military families.
(4) The results of each survey will be briefed to the Office of the DASD(MC&FP), the
Military Departments, and the MFRC within 9 months of the completion of each survey.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 7: MFRCC
Established according to DoDI 5105.18, an MFRCC serves as a forum for cross-organizational
review and resolution of individual, family, installation, or community issues that impact MFR.
The MFRCC is not necessary if a committee or council already performs this function or a
similar function, or whose function could be expanded to cover the MFRCC’s responsibility.
a. MFRCC Chair.
The MFRCC must be chaired by the senior installation commander. Delegation of authority
for this responsibility beyond the next highest-ranking commander is withheld.
b. MFRCC Membership.
MFRCC members must include representatives who are military personnel and DoD civilian
employees from:
(1) Leadership with oversight of the service areas in Section 4 of this issuance.
(2) Psychological health.
(3) DoD Education Activity (when there is a DoD school operated by DoD Education
Activity on the installation or in the community).
(4) Chaplaincy.
(5) Sexual assault prevention and response services.
(6) Medical.
(7) Other organizations as required by the commander.
c. MFRCC Role.
The MFRCC must:
(1) Meet minimally on a quarterly basis.
(2) Recommend changes in policy or procedures related to MFR services outlined in
Section 4.
(3) Review the results of needs assessments and program evaluations to assign
appropriate follow-up actions, including making recommendations on the sustainment,
modification, and termination of services, as appropriate.
(4) Promote collaboration among community providers to identify gaps in service,
reduce duplication of effort, and develop and implement internal and external

SECTION 7: MFRCC

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
cross-organizational solutions to problems that cannot be resolved by individual organizations or
programs.
(5) Collaborate with other DoD components and participate in Federal, State, and local
boards or coalitions whose mission is to collaborate in support of Service members and families.
(6) Through the appropriate chain of command and on at least a semi-annual basis,
prioritize and forward issues that cannot be resolved to their Service headquarters.
(7) Share best practices related to the resolution of issues with the ASD(M&RA) and the
MFRC for dissemination to the other Military Departments, as appropriate.

SECTION 7: MFRCC

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

SECTION 8: MFR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
8.1. GUIDANCE.
a. The certification standards listed in Tables 1 through 14 of this issuance are the minimum
standards that Military Departments are required to incorporate into their respective existing
program standards for evaluation purposes. These standards have been assigned numbers to
provide a count. Associated numbers hold no significance with the certification process.
b. Military Departments have the option to include additional national and Service-specific
standards, as deemed appropriate to evaluate programs and services. Based on the integrated
service delivery model, some standards may be deemed non-applicable, and therefore will not be
evaluated.
c. Certification standards will be updated during revision to this issuance. The Military
Departments must meet national standards for either certification or accreditation every 4 years,
at a minimum.
8.2. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT.
a. The administration and management standards in Table 1 outline the responsibilities of
program leadership to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the
military community; by providing oversight of operations; and promoting program and
operational improvements. The responsibilities set forth in the standards in Table 1 represent the
multi-faceted functions that leadership assumes to ensure effective delivery of quality services.
b. Through sound administration and effective management, the program achieves its vision,
mission and strategic goals; assures appropriate use of resources for the good of customers; and
remains responsive to the needs of the military community.
c. Evaluations of the administrative and management standards in Table 1 may include:
(1) Feedback from MFSC director and relevant staff.
(2) Financial record management system.
(3) Statements of work.
(4) Policies or operational guidance.
(5) Meeting minutes.
(6) Assessment tools.

SECTION 8: MFR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
Table 1. MFR Program Standard: Administration and Management
Number
1.0
2.0
3.0

Standard
The program has a system for managing funds in accordance with applicable DoD and Service regulations and
policies.
When needed services are secured through contracts and written service agreements, the program monitors the
quality of services provided and reports concerns to oversight entities, when appropriate.
The MFSC partners with a diverse group of military and civilian stakeholders to plan and carry out community
capacity building initiatives that improve MFR. The MFSC and its stakeholders conduct periodic assessments of
community needs and existing resources.

8.3. HUMAN RESOURCES.
a. Human resources standards in Table 2 address practices that contribute to the
development of a qualified workforce and the promotion of MFR.
b. Evaluation of human resource standards in Table 2 may include:
(1) Feedback from the MFSC director, relevant staff, and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(2) Policy and operational guidance.
(3) Records.
(4) Training plans.
Table 2. MFR Program Standard: Human Resources
Number
1.0
2.0
3.0

4.0

5.0

Standard
The MFSC provides an equitable work environment that promotes a high level of staff satisfaction and is supportive of
productivity and diversity.
The program has a mechanism for tracking completion of required background investigations for government
employees, contractor personnel, volunteers, and student interns including specialized screenings for individuals who
will be working with children and youth, under the age of 18.
Staff who have regular contact with customers receive training on legal issues that affect service delivery, including:
o Mandatory reporting and the identification and documentation of suspected child abuse and neglect, as applicable.
o Applicable laws requiring disclosure of confidential information for law enforcement purposes, including
compliance with a court-order, warrant, or subpoena.
o Duty to warn, pursuant to relevant professional standards and as required by law.
o The program’s policies and procedures on privacy and confidentiality specific to the service delivery model.
o The legal rights of customers.
Staff receive training, in accordance with Service implementing guidance, on protocols for recognizing and responding
to individuals in crisis including:
o Listening and communication techniques.
o Assessing needs in crisis situations, including identifying individuals at risk of doing harm to themselves or others.
o Procedures for making referrals or mobilizing emergency responders.
o Following up with the individual within 24 hours when appropriate.
o Supervisory review of the intervention within 24-hours.
Staff protect Personally Identifiable Information consistent with DoDI 5400.11 and DoD 5400.11-R.
o Document completion of training.
o Breaches are reported per DoDI 5400.11, the Department of Defense Breach Response Plan, and other DoD and
Executive Branch guidance, including OMB Memorandum M-17-12.

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
8.4. ADMINISTRATIVE AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENT.
a. The administrative and service environment standards in Table 3 provide a model for
managing risk through practices such as offering accessible facilities, complying with applicable
health regulations and codes, maintaining program facilities in a safe and hygienic manner, and
preparing for emergencies.
b. Evaluation of the administrative and service standards in Table 3 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Client records.
(3) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(4) Resource information.
(5) General observations.
Table 3. MFR Program Standard: Administrative and Service Environment
Number
1.0

Standard
The program ensures its facilities and equipment are properly maintained in a safe, hygienic manner.

2.0

The MFSC maintains an emergency response plan that addresses immediate response to emergencies affecting its
facilities.
o Plans and procedures are established for complying with the installation wide emergency response plan.
o Staff training is conducted to implement emergency response plan.
o Staff accountability procedures are established when implementing emergency plans.
Customers have the right to fair and equitable treatment including:
o The right to receive services in a non-discriminatory, culturally responsive, and affirming manner.
o The consistent enforcement of program rules and expectations.
o Equal access when requesting and receiving services.
The program designs and adapts its services, as appropriate, to accommodate the visual, auditory, linguistic, and
motor abilities of its customers.
Customers, and a parent or legal guardian when applicable, participate in all service decisions and have the right
to:
o Request a review of the services they have received.
o Refuse any service or treatment unless mandated by law, court order, or lawful order of a commander.
o Be informed about the consequences of such refusal, which can include military disciplinary procedures.
When the program determines, based on consistent and objective criteria, that it would be harmful for a customer
to review his or her file, and it has been determined that applicable law permits limiting the customer’s access to
their record, then:
o The program director reviews, approves in writing, and enters into the file the reasons for refusal.
o Procedures permit a qualified professional to review records on behalf of customers, provided the
professional signs a statement that information determined to be harmful will be withheld.
The service environment is conducive to effectively providing services to customers, both in-person and
remotely, in a private and confidential manner and customers are informed of any limitations to privacy and
confidentiality due to service delivery locations.

3.0

4.0
5.0

6.0

7.0

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Table 3. MFR Program Standard: Administrative and Service Environment, Continued
Number
8.0

9.0

Standard
Access to customer files, both electronic and paper, is consistent, and limited to:
o Individuals authorized to access specific information on a “need-to-know” basis.
o Former clients.
o Requests for records of deceased customers.
o Auditors and staff from licensing or accrediting bodies consistent with the program’s confidentiality policy.
o The customer or a parent or legal guardian.
The release form for the disclosure of confidential information includes these elements:
o The name of the customer whose information will be released.
o The signature of the customer whose information will be released, or that of the parent or legal guardian of a
person without legal capacity to provide authorization.
o The specific information to be released.
o The purpose for which the information is to be used.
o The date the release takes effect.
o The date, event, or condition upon which the consent expires, not to exceed 1 year from when the release
takes effect.
o The name of the person(s) or organizations(s) that will receive the disclosed information.
o The name of the person or organization that is disclosing the confidential information.
o A statement that the customer may withdraw their authorization at any time except to the extent that action
has already been taken.
O
Disclosure of information at the request of the individual/subject of the record will be consistent with
DoD 5400.11-R, Chapter 4 (C4.1.3.2 and C4.1.4).

8.5. EFA.
a. The EFA response coordinates the delivery of essential services, support, and information
to DoD personnel affected by an all-hazards incident virtually or through the establishment and
oversight of a centralized EFAC.
b. Evaluation of the EFA standards in Table 4 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) EFA management plan.
(3) Position descriptions.
(4) Training and exercise plans.
(5) Communication plans.
(6) Feedback from the MFSC director, relevant staff, and customers such as interviews,
surveys, or focus groups.
(7) Resource materials.
(8) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.

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Table 4. MFR Program Standard: EFA
Number
1.0

Standard
The program has a written EFA plan for activating, sustaining, and concluding the EFA response.

2.0

Staff are trained on and familiar with the EFA plan and their roles and responsibilities in supporting DoD
personnel in the event of an all-hazards incident.
The EFA response ensures customers have access to information using a variety of formats throughout the EFA
response. The EFA response includes access to information on:
o Stress and coping; managing crises, depression, anxiety, substance use and misuse and seeking help for child
abuse and neglect and domestic or intimate partner abuse.
o Post-traumatic stress or post-traumatic stress disorder.
o Pediatric bereavement.
o Behavior and anger management.
o Signs and symptoms of mental health issues.

3.0

8.6. EFMP.
a. EFMP family support assists military families with special needs. Services include
information and referral to local and community based resources and services, informational
briefings and workshops, warm handoffs, and ongoing non-clinical case management support to
achieve identified goals based on the needs of the family
b. Evaluation of the EFMP standards in Table 5 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Resource information.
(4) Client records and assessment tools.
(5) Program curricula.
(6) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 5. MFR Program Standard: EFMP
Number
1.0
2.0

Standard
The EFMP works with prospective customers to identify and assess their needs for service and initiates EFMP
family support services and makes, as appropriate, a referral to a provider or program better suited to meet their
needs.
The EFMP delivers family support services that:
o Are tailored to meet the unique needs of the family.
o Provide families with the information and support to access needed supports and services and effectively
navigate the service delivery system.
o Promote independence and self-determination.

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Table 5. MFR Program Standard: EFMP, Continued
Number
3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

Standard
The EFMP provides family support services and information using an array of service modalities, as appropriate
to the needs of the customer, including:
o Educational classes and workshops, including opportunities for distance learning.
o Briefings.
o Access to supportive peer networks.
o Public or social media venues, when available.
o Self-directed information gathering such as access to online resources, informational databases and on-site
computers.
o Appropriate referrals to formal and informal services and supports.
o Individual support and assistance.
The program’s procedures for initial contact will include:
o The initiation of services or the appropriate referral in a timely manner.
o Criteria for determining when a prospective customer’s needs or requests cannot be met by EFMP family
support and the process for making an appropriate referral.
o Criteria for determining the level and type of EFMP family support that is needed or requested, including
when an assessment and services plan is appropriate.
Prospective customers who contact the program receive information necessary to make an informed decision
about using the program’s services including:
o What services are available.
o How the program can support the achievement of desired outcomes.
o The benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of planned services.
Customers seeking ongoing support have the opportunity to participate in an individualized, strengths-based,
culturally-responsive assessment that:
o Is conducted using the standardized DD Form.
o Identifies family strengths, needs, and goals.
o Serves as the basis for developing the services plan.
Customers seeking ongoing support have the opportunity to develop and implement an assessment-based services
plan that promotes independence and self-determination, and includes, as applicable:
o The customer’s stated goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them.
o Agreed upon services and supports to be provided, and by whom.
o Documentation of the customer’s participation, including children when appropriate, in developing the plan.
The EFMP Family Support:
o Directly provides, refers, or otherwise connects families to needed or requested services, support, and
information as identified in the services plan or otherwise requested.
o Maintains, or has access to, an up-to-date file of reliable civilian and military supports and services, and
information on how to access them.
When ongoing family support is being provided, staff and a supervisor, or a service or peer team, review the case
at least quarterly to assess:
o Service plan implementation, when applicable.
o The need for a services plan, when desired by the customer, if one has not already been developed.
o The customer’s progress toward achieving goals and desired outcomes.
o The continued applicability of agreed upon service goals.
When ongoing family support is being provided and the family plans to relocate, separate or retire, customers and
program staff work together to prepare for the discontinuation of local EFMP family support services and provide
a warm handoff to needed supports and services at the new location. This includes:
o Developing a plan for discontinuation that identifies needed services and resources and contacts for
obtaining these services.
o Notifying any collaborating family support and social services providers, as needed and in accordance with
applicable privacy and confidentiality laws.

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8.7. FAP.
a. FAP services include a continuum of clinical and non-clinical support services for
individuals and families at risk, or who have experienced, domestic or intimate partner abuse,
child abuse or neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. Services include
secondary prevention programs for new parents through the New Parent Support Program;
victim advocacy and safety planning; child-focused advocacy for parents; and clinical
assessment treatment for victims of abuse, and individuals who use violence in their
interpersonal relationships, as well as children and families involved in referrals of PSB-CY.
b. Evaluation of the FAP standards in Table 6 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Educational curricula.
(4) Memorandums of compliance.
(5) Client records.
(6) Resource materials.
(7) Assessment tools.
(8) Needs assessment tools.
(9) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 6. MFR Program Standard: FAP
Number
1.0

2.0
3.0

Standard
New Parent Support Program home visitors take a strengths based, family centered developmental approach to
educate parents on protective factors that support child development and reduce risk for child abuse and neglect
including:
o Parental resilience.
o Child growth and development, including physical, cognitive, and social development.
o Environmental safety and injury prevention.
o Meeting children’s health and emotional needs.
o Age-appropriate behavioral expectations and safe and effective discipline for children.
A well-publicized, 24-hour access line is available to receive reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.
The program ensures 24-hour access to services for domestic abuse victims directly or through a community
telephone network or emergency response center that:
o Employs trained individuals.
o Returns calls within timeframes set by DoD or Service policy.
o Has procedures that address how phone calls are returned without increasing risk to victims.

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Table 6. MFR Program Standard: FAP, Continued
Number
4.0

5.0
6.0

7.0
8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0
12.0

Standard
Program staff:
o Meets the minimum personnel qualifications for their respective roles in accordance with DoD policy.
o Follows all reporting requirements as required by law and in accordance with DoD and Service policy.
o Informs domestic abuse victims of their reporting options, as appropriate, and request documentation of their
selection on DD Form 2967, “Domestic Abuse Victim Reporting Option Statement.”
o Informs victims of the risks and benefits of each reporting option by ensuring such information is readily
available and clearly detailed in writing.
o Consults their supervisor and legal counsel as needed when determining when a report must be made to law
enforcement without the victim’s consent (when an unrestricted report is necessary based on an assessment of risk
to the victim or another person).
Upon initial contact, alleged abusers are informed of:
o The allegations being reviewed.
o The process that will be followed to respond to the report.
The program follows-up with victims of child abuse and domestic abuse according to guidelines:
o For every child abuse victim determined to be in imminent danger, FAP attempts a response the same day the
report is received.
o For every domestic abuse victim determined to be in imminent danger, FAP contacts and offers services to
the victim the same day the report is received.
o In all other cases, children and domestic abuse victims are contacted in accordance with timeframes
established by DoD or Service policy.
The assessment process for family advocacy referrals minimizes duplication of effort, thereby reducing trauma to
the FAP client.
When an assessment reveals the need for specialized or intensive services beyond the scope of the FAP, such as a
co-occurring behavioral health issue:
o A referral and assistance connecting to services is provided.
o Ongoing collaboration and coordinated service planning occurs to the greatest extent possible and appropriate
given identified needs and service goals with regard to the safety of the person seeking services.
The program promotes the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of person seeking FAP services by:
o Screening victims, as well as any persons seeking services for histories involving violence or other trauma.
o Monitoring the service population for emerging physical, psychological, and emotional safety needs.
o Making changes to the service environment or procedures as necessary to respond to the safety needs of
customers.
Contact with FAP client is attempted at least monthly, or more frequently as appropriate to:
o Meet the needs of the FAP client.
o Establish effective working relationships.
o Assess safety and well-being.
o Monitor service delivery including confirmation that services were initiated, that they continue to meet the
needs of the FAP client, and that they are responsive to complaints or problems that develop regarding service
delivery.
o
Assess measures that support the achievement of agreed upon goals.
The program evaluates the need to keep each domestic or child abuse and neglect case open at least quarterly and
uses criteria that consider safety and risk factors to determine when to close a case.
Clinical staff working on child abuse and neglect, domestic or intimate partner abuse cases receive training, in
accordance with Service implementing guidance, on:
o Recognizing and addressing barriers to victims of domestic or intimate partner abuse in accessing services,
establishing safety plans and escaping abuse.
o Trauma-informed clinical treatment specifically designed to address risk and protective factors and dynamics
associated with child abuse and neglect and domestic or intimate partner abuse.
o Treatment modalities that may assist the abuser (whether alleged or adjudicated) in ending his or her abusive
behavior.
o Identifying and responding to mitigate the effects of exposure to domestic or intimate partner abuse on
children.

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Table 6. MFR Program Standard: FAP, Continued
Number
13.0

14.0

15.0

Standard
Any report or other allegations of PSB-CY that is received by the FAP, the installation commander, a law
enforcement organization, a child development center, an MFT, or a DoD school operating on the installation or
otherwise under DoD administration for the installation FAP.
o FAP personnel conducting reviews have appropriate training and meet minimum qualifications in accordance
with DoD and Service level policy.
o FAP chairs and installation Multi-Disciplinary Team for PSB-CY designated to respond to reports of PSB-CY
using a trauma informed-informed, coordinated community response model.
o The installation Multi-Disciplinary Team coordinates with the installation FAP to monitor ongoing risk and
safety factors at least monthly and communicates any increased levels of risk to appropriate agencies for action.
o The installation FAP has developed a parent engagement strategy that is trauma-informed and
developmentally aligned, and provides parents with the education on normative sexual behavior, information on
additional resources and helping agencies.
An installation Incident Determination Committee (IDC) reviews reports of child abuse and unrestricted reports of
domestic abuse.
o The IDC uses established criteria, known as the decision tree algorithm to determine whether the reports meet
the criteria for entry into the Service FAP central registry of child abuse and domestic abuse incidents.
o All IDC members have received training on their roles and responsibilities before participating in the IDC.
o All FAP clinical assessments and intervention or treatment plans for persons in incidents of child abuse or
domestic abuse are reviewed in the clinical case staff meeting.
o Counseling or treatment progress and the results of the latest risk assessment are reviewed periodically in the
CCSM in accordance with DoDI 6400.01.
The Family Advocacy Committee implements, coordinates and advises on policy addressing child abuse and
neglect and domestic abuse. The Family Advocacy Committee:
o Employs a multi-disciplinary approach to developing and managing the installation’s coordinated community
response and risk management plan for incidents of child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse.
o Establishes a risk management plan based on an evidence-informed review of the risk and protective factors
contributing to the perpetration and prevention of child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse.
o Establishes or shows efforts to establish Memorandum of Understanding with essential external agencies or
resources, (e.g. Child Protective Services, Domestic Violence shelters).

8.8. FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM.
a. Financial readiness programs provide financial literacy training and education, personal
financial counseling, and I&R services to assist members in developing skills and strategies to
fulfill their financial obligations, meet financial goals, and maintain their financial and mission
readiness.
b. Evaluation of the Financial Readiness Program standards in Table 7 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Educational curricula.
(4) Assessment tools.
(5) Client records.
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(6) Training plans.
(7) Resource materials.
(8) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 7. MFR Program Standard: Financial Counseling Program
Number
1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

Standard
Customers seeking financial counseling participate in an individualized assessment during the counseling session
that is culturally responsive and includes, as appropriate:
o An evaluation of the customer’s request for service and their stated goals.
o A review of relevant documentation provided by the customer pertaining to the need for service.
o An evaluation of income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and debt-to-income ratio as appropriate.
o Determination of the need for related service referrals.
An assessment-based financial plan is completed, as appropriate, with the customer that:
o Is tailored to the goals, interests, and needs of the customer.
o Considers factors associated with significant life events.
o Focuses on timely resolution of the needs presented.
o Considers the urgency of the problem and the amount of counseling or assistance needed to achieve
appropriate results.
o Is provided to the customer with a copy maintained in the customer’s file, if applicable.
The Financial Readiness Program offers information on money-management including information about:
o Budgeting.
o Maintaining adequate financial records.
o Making financially responsible consumer decisions and purchases.
o Savings, including saving for emergencies, periodic expenses, and long-term goals.
o Banking, credit management, and debt management.
The Financial Readiness Program offers information on financial management topics including:
o Investing.
o Tax considerations.
o Insurance needs.
o Financing education goals.
o Preparing for transition or retirement.
o How to evaluate and select assistance with in-depth financial planning needs.
o Retirement planning, including the Blended Retirement System, lump sum, TSP, and Survivor Benefit Plan.
o Major purchases.
The Financial Readiness Program offers I&Rs on these legal affairs topics:
o Estate planning.
o Powers of attorney, wills and trusts.
o Predatory lending and practices prohibited pursuant to Chapter 50 of Title 50, U.S.C., also known as the
“Servicemembers Civil Relief Act,” and Section 987 of Title 10, U.S.C., also known as the “Military Lending
Act.”
o Contract execution and dispute resolution, to include sales, credit, and housing.

8.9. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
a. The program provides customers with services and support throughout the relocation
process.
b. Evaluation of the Relocation Assistance Program standards in Table 8 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
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(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Program curricula.
(4) Resource materials.
(5) Training plans.
(6) Certification reports.
(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 8. MFR Program Standard: Relocation Assistance Program
Number
1.0

2.0

Standard
The program provides access to relocation information on a variety of moving related topics, either directly or by
referral, as appropriate to customer needs:
o Sponsorship opportunities at the new location.
o Moving costs and entitlements.
o Housing options and assistance.
o Child care; support for family members with special needs.
o Supports for new or single parents; support for foreign born spouses.
o Local health care providers; area schools and educational support services.
o Spouse employment and volunteer opportunities.
o Cultural and community orientation, overseas orientation, and intercultural relations training for overseas
locations.
o Relocation stress management.
o Installation check-in and check-out procedures.
The program supports the sponsorship program by training designated sponsors.

8.10. DEPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
a. The program provides all mobilizing, activating, and deploying Service members and
family members with services and support during all phases of deployment.
b. Evaluation of the Deployment Assistance Program standards in Table 9 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Program curricula.
(4) Resource materials.
(5) Training plans.
(6) For Guard and Reserve, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration.

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(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 9. MFR Program Standard: Deployment Assistance Program
Number
1.0

2.0

Standard
The program provides information regarding these topics, either directly or by referral, as appropriate, to the
customer’s needs and the phase of deployment:
o Changes in roles and responsibilities.
o Communication maintenance issues and technology for staying in touch.
o Stress and anger management strategies; coping strategies.
o Suicide prevention and behavioral health screenings, intervention, and treatment.
o Medical and dental benefits; legal assistance.
o Personal security or safety.
o Practical suggestions for reducing loneliness and isolation.
o Available services and supports and how to access them.
o Reintegration.
o Interpersonal skills in marriage and parenting.
o Financial management before, during, and after deployment.
There is ongoing outreach, communication, activities, and events with deploying and deployed units, Service
members, and the families of deployed individuals throughout all phases of deployment.

8.11. TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
a. The program coordinates access to an array of workshops, assessments, services, and
supports to prepare separating Service members and their families for the transition from active
duty to civilian life.
b. Evaluation of the Transition Assistance Program standards in Table 10 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Client records.
(4) Program reports.
(5) Program curricula.
(6) Resource materials.
(7) Memorandum of agreement.
(8) Training plans.
(9) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.

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Table 10. MFR Program Standard: Transition Assistance Program
Number
1.0

2.0

3.0

Standard
The program provides pre-separation counseling to eligible Service members to:
o Complete initial counseling and self-assessment.
o Complete their Pre-separation Counseling Checklist.
o Develop an individual transition plan with Pathway Tiers identified.
The program documents pre-separation counseling using Department of Defense (DD) Form 2648 and completed
forms are:
o Signed by the customer and his or her counselor.
o Customer provided a copy.
o Documents warm hand-over, as appropriate.
o Documents tier for selected pathway.
o Documents Capstone, with a Commander’s signature.
o Updated to reflect progress.
o Filed in accordance with DoD or Service policy guidelines.
The program provides customers with information on transition related services, including:
o Relocation assistance.
o Financial counseling or assistance.
o Employment assistance including career coaching and planning, resume writing, interview preparedness, and
job search strategies.
o Providing statement of benefit for which the member may be entitled.
o Military and civilian social service resources.
o Non-medical individual and family counseling.

8.12. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
a. The program works with customers to identify and achieve their education and career
goals.
b. Evaluation of the Employment Assistance Program standards in Table 11 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Client records.
(4) Program curricula.
(5) Assessment tools.
(6) Resource materials.
(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.

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Table 11. MFR Program Standard: Employment Assistance Program
Number
1.0
2.0
3.0

4.0

Standard
The program provides the customer with relevant labor market information, including current job listings with
salary levels and opportunities for advancement, to assist them in exploring career opportunities that will meet
their career goals and financial needs.
The program informs the civilian community of the benefits of hiring separating Service members and military
family members and promotes awareness among employers of their unique challenges and needs.
The program provides information on these educational programs, as appropriate to the needs of the customer:
o Degree or certificate programs, both in-person and virtual.
o Steps towards professional licensure.
o Skilled trade or apprenticeship classes.
o English as a Second Language courses.
o General Educational Development or high school courses.
The program supports the customer’s search for employment by helping him or her develop a job search strategy
and improve job search skills including:
o Resume writing and how to complete an application.
o Interview and negotiation techniques.
o How to locate and successfully use job, employer, and market research.
o Marketing oneself.
o Networking.
o Accessing online resources.

8.13. PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
a. The program provides education, enrichment, and prevention services to military families,
Service members, and couples to help them build and maintain healthy relationships; strengthen
interpersonal competencies, problem solving skills, and help-seeking behaviors; and master
respective roles, tasks, and responsibilities throughout the family life cycle.
b. Evaluation of the Personal and Family Life Education Program standards in Table 12 may
include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Program curricula.
(4) Client records.
(5) Program evaluation results.
(6) Resource materials.
(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.

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Table 12. MFR Program Standard: Personal and Family Life Education
Number
1.0
2.0

Standard
The program conducts a local needs assessment and offers educational, enrichment, or prevention services that
address the needs and preferences of its customers.
The program’s prevention activities:
o Identify and reduce risk factors; identify and enhance protective factors.
o Are tailored to the needs, characters, and environmental context of the target audience.
o Are offered at a frequency and duration appropriate to the type of intervention.

8.14. NON-MEDICAL INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY COUNSELING.
a. Non-medical individual and family counseling is short-term and solution-focused
counseling to individuals, couples, families and groups. Emphasis is on helping customers cope
with the stresses of daily living and adapt to the military lifestyle through personal growth,
positive development, and improved individual and family functioning.
b. Evaluation of the Non-Medical Individual and Family Counseling Program standards in
Table 13 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Program curricula.
(4) Client records.
(5) Resource materials.
(6) Assessment tools.
(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 13. MFR Program Standard: Non-Medical Individual and Family Counseling
Number
1.0

2.0
3.0

Standard
The program’s procedures for initial contact:
o Support timely initiation of services or an appropriate referral.
o Address criteria for determining when a more intensive service is necessary.
o Give priority to urgent needs or prospective customers at greatest risk.
Customers participate in an individualized, strengths-based, culturally responsive needs assessment that:
o Is conducted using a standardized assessment tool that is appropriate to the request or need for service.
o Serves as the basis for developing the services plan.
Customers fully participate in the development of a services plan that includes:
o Unmet service and support needs; strengths, risks, and protective factors.
o The customer’s stated goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them.
o Agreed upon services and supports to be provided, and by whom.
o Possibilities for maintaining and strengthening informal social networks.
o Documentation of the customer’s participation, including children when appropriate, in developing the plan.

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Table 13. MFR Program Standard: Non-Medical Individual and Family Counseling, Continued
Number
4.0

Standard
The program promotes the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of customers by:
o Screening customers for histories involving violence or other trauma.
o Monitoring the service population for emerging physical, psychological, and emotional safety needs.
o Making changes to the service environment or procedures as necessary to respond to the safety needs of
customers.
When a customer screens positive as a trauma survivor, or a victim of child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, or
sexual abuse, the program makes the appropriate referral to clinical and non-clinical service providers on the
installation. If the customer is a military dependent under the age of 18 and discloses they have experienced
abuse or neglect, the program makes a mandatory report to the installation Family Advocacy Program. The
program provides for:
o A protection plan, as needed.
o Trauma-informed treatment.
Case closing is a planned, orderly process, and counselors provide an opportunity for customers to develop a plan
for obtaining follow-up services when desired.

5.0

6.0

8.15. VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT.
a. Volunteer management includes efforts to recruit, match, train, track, recognize, and
support volunteers.
b. Evaluation of volunteer management standards in Table 14 may include:
(1) Policy and operational guidance.
(2) Feedback from MFSC director, relevant staff and customers such as interviews,
surveys or focus groups.
(3) Volunteer records.
(4) Educational and marketing curricula or materials.
(5) Volunteer position descriptions.
(6) Completed background checks (as applicable).
(7) Efforts to determine program effectiveness.
Table 14. MFR Program Standard: Volunteer Management
Number
1.0

Standard
Each volunteer assignment for statutory volunteer positions includes:
o Duties.
o Time commitment.
o Responsibilities and prohibited activities.
o Required skill sets, credentials, or trainings.
o Lines of supervision and the process for providing ongoing feedback on performance.

SECTION 8: MFR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
Table 14. MFR Program Standard: Volunteer Management, Continued
Number
2.0

3.0
4.0

Standard
Volunteer management efforts makes it easy for individuals to get involved and provides a welcoming
environment for prospective volunteers including:
o Establishing a formal process for responding to inquiries that engages volunteers promptly and efficiently.
o Making accommodations and providing diverse volunteer assignments that assist individuals with disabilities
in becoming involved.
Volunteer management efforts include a mechanism for tracking completion of required background
investigations for volunteers including specialized screenings for individuals who will be working with children
and youth without a parent or legal guardian present.
Volunteers receive the necessary orientation, training, and supervision to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.

SECTION 8: MFR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

50

DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

GLOSSARY
G.1. ACRONYMS.
ACRONYM

MEANING

ASD(M&RA)

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs

CIS

computerized information system

DASD(MC&FP)
DD
DoDI
DoDM

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and
Family Policy
Department of Defense (form)
DoD instruction
DoD manual

EFA
EFAC
EFMP

emergency family assistance
emergency family assistance center
exceptional family member program

FAP

family advocacy program

I&R
IDC

information and referral
Incident Determination Committee

MFR
MFRC
MFRCC
MFRS
MFSC
MOS
MSO
MWR

military family readiness
Military Family Readiness Council
Military Family Readiness Coordinating Committee
Military Family Readiness System
Military and Family Support Center
Military OneSource
military service organization
morale, welfare, and recreation

PCS
PSB-CY
RC

permanent change of station
problematic sexual behavior in children and youth
Reserve Component

U.S.C.
USD(P&R)

United States Code
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

GLOSSARY

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
G.2. DEFINITIONS.
Unless otherwise noted, these terms and their definitions are for the purpose of this issuance.
TERM

DEFINITION

access point

A vehicle through which Service members and their families can
access MFR information, services and referrals.

accredited

Verification that MFR services have been assessed by a national
accrediting body and meet the standards of quality established by that
body.

all-hazards

Any incident, natural or manmade, including those defined in
DoDI 6055.17, that warrants action to protect the life, property,
health, and safety of military members, families, and civilians at risk,
and minimize any disruptions of installation operations.

annual report on
MFR programs

This reports documents the delivery of MFR services by the Military
Departments over the course of a single fiscal year.

awareness and
outreach

Efforts which involves contact with leadership, Service members,
families, civilians to provide them with information, awareness of
programs and services, encourage use of services, and connect them
to resources. Efforts may take place within or outside the MFR
access points and may be a part of the larger MFRS efforts.

Blended Retirement
System

The military retirement system as enacted by Public Law 114-92 and
effective January 1, 2018.

certified

Verification that MFR services have been internally assessed by the
organization providing such services and meet the standards of
quality established by a national accrediting body.

child abuse

Defined in DoDI 6400.01.

commanders

Individuals with leadership responsibilities at all levels across the
Military Departments.

dependent

Defined in Volume 2 of DoDM 1000.13.

deployment

Defined in the DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

domestic abuse

Defined in DoDI 6400.06.

electronic messaging
services

Defined in DoDI 8170.01.

GLOSSARY

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
TERM

DEFINITION

eligible

An individual who meets the requirements of Section 2192a of
Title 10, U.S.C.

emergency family
assistance

Provides and promotes short and long term recovery and return to a
stable environment and mission ready status following an all hazards
event and the delivery of non-combatant repatriation assistance for
civilian and family members affected by an authorized or ordered
departure from an overseas country throughout the entire safe haven
period.

expeditionary
civilian

A civilian employee who provides essential capabilities while
forward deployed away from their normal duty station to OCONUS
locations that are designated as combat zones or contingency
operations, or while assigned to locations designated as emergencies
or Federal disasters to provide emergency response, humanitarian or
disaster relief, restoration of order, drug interdiction, stability or
security cooperation, or comparable missions.

family member with
special needs

A family member with special medical or educational needs who
meets the criteria established in DoDI 1315.19.

financial readiness

The state in which successful management of personal financial
responsibility supports a Service member’s ability to perform their
wartime responsibilities.

formal network

A network that reflects the policies and systems operating under
military or civilian authority as instruments of socialization and
support.

individual transition
plan

An OSD standardized document that is created, evolved, and is
maintained by the Service member that provides the framework to
perform detailed assessments of their personal and professional
preparedness to achieve realistic career goals after separation from
active duty.

informal network

The associations, interactions, exchanges, and connections that
people and families make in everyday life, including group
associations and less organized networks of personal and collective
relationships.

GLOSSARY

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
TERM

DEFINITION

installation

A military base, camp, post, station, yard, enclave, center, facility,
homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction
of the DoD, including leased space that is controlled by, or primarily
supports, DoD missions.

intimate partner

Refer to Enclosure 2 of DoDI 6400.06.

MFR

The state of being prepared within the unique context of military
service, to effectively navigate the challenges of daily living and
military transitions. Ready individuals and families are
knowledgeable about the potential challenges they may face;
equipped with the skills to competently function in the face of such
challenges; aware of the supportive resources available to them; and
able to incorporate the skills and supports to achieve and maintain
family well-being.

MFR unit liaison

An official command-sponsored individual, who provides liaison
between Service members and their families and the command,
promoting a culture of mutual support and communication.

MFRS

A system comprised of programs and services operated by the DoD
and other Federal, State and community-based agencies and
organizations to enhance MFR and military family resilience and
promote military family well-being.

MFRS director

The individual at the local level who is responsible for the
management of the MFRS.

military community

Service members, military families, military leadership, and military
and civilian MFR service providers.

military family

A group composed of one Service member and spouse; Service
member, spouse and such Service member’s families; two married
Service members; or two married Service members and such Service
members’ families. To the extent authorized by law and pursuant to
Service implementing guidance, the term may also include other
nondependent family members of a Service member.

military family
resilience

The ability of individuals and families to withstand, recover from,
and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands of military
life to maintain positive outcomes across the domains of career,
social, financial, health, and community engagement.

GLOSSARY

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
TERM

DEFINITION

military family wellbeing

The ability of individuals and families to maintain positive outcomes
across the domains of career, social, financial, health, and community
engagement.

Military OneSource

DoD’s solution to connecting Service members and families to
quality of life programs and services.
The state of being prepared for the challenges of mobilization and
deployment, to cope with changes in operational tempo, to address
personal and family emergencies and stress in the absence of a
deployed family member and to access appropriate services and
support in the event of military service-related injury, illness, or
death.

mobilization and
deployment
readiness

non-clinical case
management

The provision of I&R to families and individuals to assist them in
making informed decisions and navigating the resources they need to
improve their quality of life. This may include I&R for medical,
educational, social, community, legal, and financial services. This
does not involve coordination and follow-up of medical treatments.

non-medical
counseling

Defined in DoDI 6490.06.

operational readiness Defined in the DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.
outreach

Systematic efforts to make contact with leadership, members of the
military and civilian communities outside of established MFR access
points.

personal and family
life readiness

The state of being prepared to cope with the stressors of daily living
and manage the competing demands of work life and personal and
family life.

problematic sexual
behavior in children
and youth

Defined in DoDI 6400.01.

sense of community

The degree to which Service members and their families feel
positively attached to the military as an organization and view the
military community as a source of support and connection to others.

Service member

Any member of a Military Service in the Active Component or RC.

surviving dependent

Defined in Volume 2 of DoDM 1000.13.

GLOSSARY

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DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021

REFERENCES
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 5, Part 308
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Part 2
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45
Department of Defense Breach Response Plan, September 28, 2017
Directive-type Memorandum 19-009, “Financial Readiness Common Military Training
Requirements,” August 13, 2019, as amended
DoD 5400.11-R, “Department of Defense Privacy Program,” May 14, 2007
DoD Directive 5124.02, “Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
(USD(P&R)),” June 23, 2008
DoD Instruction 1000.15, “Procedures and Support for Non-Federal Entities Authorized to
Operate on DoD Installations,” October 24, 2008
DoD Instruction 1015.10, “Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs,” July 6,
2009, as amended
DoD Instruction 1100.21, “Voluntary Services in the Department of Defense,” March 27, 2019
DoD Instruction 1315.18, “Procedures for Military Personnel Assignments,” October 28, 2015,
as amended
DoD Instruction 1315.19, “The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP),” April 19, 2017
DoD Instruction 1332.35, “Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Military Personnel,”
September 26, 2019
DoD Instruction 1342.19, “Family Care Plans,” May 7, 2010, as amended
DoD Instruction 1342.28, “DoD Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP),” February 25,
2019
DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 315, “DoD Civilian Personnel Management System:
Employment of Spouses of Active Duty Military,” March 19, 2012, as amended
DoD Instruction 4105.67, “Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) Procurement Policy and Procedure,”
February 26, 2014, as amended
DoD Instruction 5015.02, “DoD Records Management Program,” February 24, 2015, as
amended
DoD Instruction 5105.18, “DoD Intergovernmental and Intragovernmental Committee
Management Program,” July 10, 2009, as amended
DoD Instruction 5400.11, “DoD Privacy and Civil Liberties Program,” January 29, 2019, as
amended
DoD Instruction 6025.18, “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Privacy Rule Compliance in DoD Health Care Programs,” March 13, 2019
DoD Instruction 6055.17, “DoD Emergency Management (EM) Program,” February 13, 2017, as
amended
DoD Instruction 6400.01, “Family Advocacy Program (FAP),” May 1, 2019
DoD Instruction 6400.05, “New Parent Support Program (NPSP),” June 13, 2012, as amended

REFERENCES

56

DoDI 1342.22, August 5, 2021
DoD Instruction 6400.06, “Domestic Abuse Involving DoD Military and Certain Affiliated
Personnel,” August 21, 2007, as amended
DoD Instruction 6400.07, “Standards for Victim Assistance Services in the Military
Community,” November 25, 2013, as amended
DoD Instruction 6490.06, “Counseling Services for DoD Military, Guard and Reserve, Certain
Affiliated Personnel, and Their Family Members,” April 21, 2009, as amended
DoD Instruction 8170.01, “Online Information Management and Electronic Messaging,”
January 2, 2019
DoD Manual 1000.13, Volume 2, “DoD Identification (ID) Cards: Benefits for Members of the
Uniformed Services, Their Dependents, and Other Eligible Individuals,” January 23, 2014, as
amended
DoD Manual 6025.18, “Implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule in DoD Health Care Programs,” March 13, 2019
DoD Manual 6400.01, “Family Advocacy Program (FAP),” date varies by volume
Joint Publication 3-68, “Noncombatant Evacuation Operations,” current edition
Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-17-12, “Preparing for and Responding to a
Breach of Personally Identifiable Information,” January 3, 2017
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “DoD Dictionary of Military and Associated
Terms,” current edition
Public Law 114-92, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016,” November 25,
2015
Public Law 115-232, Section 1089, “The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2019,” August 13, 2018
Unified Facilities Criteria 4-730-01, “Family Services Centers,” April 7, 2006, as amended
United States Code, Title 5
United States Code, Title 10
United States Code, Title 37
United States Code, Title 50, Chapter 50 (also known as the “Servicemembers Civil Relief Act”)

REFERENCES

57