Ombudsman

Navy Family Ombudsmen are communications links, information and referral resources, and advocates for command family members.

Ombudsman logo

Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. As an official command representative, the Ombudsman is a point of contact for all family members connected to the command - including spouses, parents, and extended family members. The Ombudsman Code of Ethics guarantees professionalism and confidentiality, within program guidelines. Each Ombudsman Program is owned by the Commanding Officer and will be unique to the command's size and needs.

Ombudsman & Family Readiness Volunteer
Recognition Luncheon

The Fleet & Family Support Center, USO San Diego, San Diego Armed Services YMCA, and the Navy League Council of San Diego will host a luncheon and recognition ceremony for outstanding Ombudsmen and Family Readiness Volunteers at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Friday, September 25, 2009. In addition to lunch, awards and gifts will be given to the Ombudsmen and Family Readiness Volunteers.

The following items are available for download:

Family Readiness Groups (FRG)

Family Readiness Groups (formerly family support or spouse support groups) are command sponsored organizations that consist of volunteers such as spouses of service members. The purpose of an FRG is to plan and conduct social, informational, and morale building activities to enhance family readiness and enable the Navy family to meet the challenges of the military lifestyle.

FFSC offers monthly training for FRG leadership, volunteers and members. See our schedule below.

How can an
Ombudsman help me?

Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety of reasons.

How can I
find my Ombudsman?

The FFSC Ombudsman Coordinator maintains a roster of all area Ombudsmen. Contact your local FFSC to obtain the contact information for your Command Ombudsman. Or mail' with your name and the name of the command to which you or your family member is attached.

What support is
available for Ombudsmen?

In support of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program, the FFSC Ombudsmen Coordinator provides Ombudsman Basic Training and Ombudsman Ongoing Training, collaborates in the planning of events, and offers support and current information about the Ombudsman program, local resources, and more. The Ombudsman Coordinator is available to assist commands with Ombudsman appreciation, recognition, and information on the program and its guidelines. These services are available to all Ombudsmen in the performance of their duties as well as to all Commands for the management of their Ombudsman Programs. The FFSC Ombudsman Coordinator also offers individualized Family Support Group Training for new or existing Command Family Support Groups. For more information or to register for any training, call (619) 556-9876 or click here to submit an email.

Family Readiness Group Training

This workshop is offered to Command Family Readiness Groups and is customized to fit your FRG's needs whether you are starting a new group or revitalizing an existing group. Topics include communication/working with different personalities, fundraising/event planning, resources, sponsoring new families, starting/re-charging a FRG leadership/ teambuilding, and homecoming training This training is offered monthly in day and evening classes. For more information call (619) 247-3598.

Ombudsman Advanced Training

These bi-monthly workshops provide Ombudsmen with current and in-depth training on local resources, new Navy programs, newsletter guidelines, deployment and command emergency preparedness, assistance during family emergencies, and more! Advanced Training also provides Ombudsmen with the opportunity to network, update resource files, and share information.

Ombudsman Basic Training

Consisting of 9 standardized modules, Ombudsman Basic Training is offered every month, in multiple day and evening sessions. Training should be attended within six weeks of appointment by the Commanding Officer.

Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COT) Training

Experienced Ombudsman are encouraged to become Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COT). These individuals are trained and certified to teach Ombudsman Basic Training at the Fleet and Family Support Center. Youmust have three years trained Ombudsman experience. If you are interested in attending this training, please contact the Ombudsman Coordinator at 556-9876.

San Diego General Ombudsman Assembly

Ombudsman General Assembly meetings are open to all COs, XOs, CMCs, Chaplains, and their respective spouses as well as local Ombudsmen. Please call for the latest information on the Ombudsman General Assembly dates.

Volunteer Opportunities

For more info click here or call (619) 556-9876.

 

Ombudsman & FRG Training & Workshops

Make sure you don't miss out! Call today and take advantage of these free services. All active duty, reservists, retirees, and their family members are invited to attend these programs and use the services that the Fleet & Family Support Center offers. Our workshops are classes that are facilitated by one of staff members or specialist from local organizations.

For locations and base acronyms, click here.

Click on the email icon, to submit an online registration. If a workshop or subject does not have an envelope icon, please call or use the email address listed.

Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COT) email this address

 

Family Readiness Group (FRG) Training email this address

Normally these classes are held at NBSD, Bldg. 259, Classroom 1 unless otherwise deisgnated. Location and time will be confirmed when registering for this class. For more information call (619) 247-3598.

Aug 3, Mon, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, NBSD, Bldg. 263, Classroom 6

Aug 3, Mon, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Murphy Canyon Chapel Annex

Sep 14, Mon, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, NBSD, Bldg. 263, Classroom 6

Sep 14, Mon, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Murphy Canyon Chapel Annex

 

Ombudsman Advanced Training email this address

Aug 19, Wed, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, NBSD, ADM Robinson Center, Bldg 3233

 

Ombudsman Basic Training email this address

Normally these classes are held at NBSD, Bldg. 259, Classroom 1 unless otherwise deisgnated. Location and time will be confirmed when registering for this class.

Aug 31, Mon, - Sep 4, Fri 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, NBSD, Bldg. 259, Classroom 1

Sep 1, Tue, - Sep 4, Fri 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, NBSD, Bldg. 259, Classroom 1

 

San Diego General Ombudsman Assembly Meeting email this address

Sep 16, Wed, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Murphy Canyon Chapel Annex

 

Surface Forces Ombudsman Assembly

Sep 9, Wed, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, For more information or to register, call (619) 556-9876.