Washington, D.C. 20530

April 30, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU PERSONNEL OFFICERS

FROM:        Joanne W. Simms
                   Director, Personnel Staff
                   Justice Management Division

SUBJECT:  Assistance for Federal Employees Whose Children Were Affected by the Tragedy in Littleton, CO

This provides the attached memorandum, issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in the wake of the tragic events in Littleton, Colorado.  In the memorandum, OPM highlights certain benefits and programs available to Federal employees, which are of particular importance to those Federal employees whose children have been affected by the tragedy at Columbine High School.

In particular, agencies should make use of excused absence, family friendly leave policies and work schedules, employee assistance programs, and health and life insurance benefits in helping their affected employees.  Agencies should make such provisions available within the framework of their policies and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.  The memorandum also includes a list of OPM contacts and telephone numbers to obtain additional help.

If the families of any of your employees have been affected by this tragedy, please make full use of the benefits and programs available to support and assist them.  Questions should be directed to Margaret Foskey, of the Personnel Staff's Policy Group, on (202) 514-6778.

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