Family Readiness Support Assistants

You may have heard the proverb, �It Takes a Village to Raise a Child�. This means that a group effort is needed to achieve a successful outcome. This term can be applied to the Family Readiness Program. The �village� or Family Readiness Team (FRT) assists the Commander in establishing and maintaining an effective Family Readiness Program. The FRT consists of the Commander/Rear Detachment Commander (RDC), FRG Leaders, FRG volunteers, FRSAs,Family Readiness Liaison (FRL), and Army Community Service (ACS).

Commanders: Commanders are responsible for planning and implementing programs to support Soldiers and military Family members, i.e.; Family Readiness Group (FRG). They are to develop appropriate procedures for the operation of family assistance services while soldiers are in garrison and deployed.

Rear Detachment Commanders (RDC): RDCs are responsible for ensuring the Families of deployed Soldiers are appropriately cared for and receive needed services through family assistance programs.

Family Readiness Liaison (FRL): The FRL is the link between the command and the FRG. Provide referrals of community agencies to Family members, Soldiers, FRG leaders and the FRSA. The FRL and FRSA coordinate with community organizations to provide resources, assistance and training to Soldiers and Family members.

Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA): The FRSA works directly for the commander or RDC (during deployment). The FRSA�s main objective is to provide the commander/RDC, FRL, and FRG Leader with administrative assistance in support of family readiness programs and activities.

Family Readiness Group Leader (FRG): The FRG Leader works closely with the commander/RDC, FRL, and FRSA to identify needs of family members. The FRG Leader identifies and resolves minor issues and problems that can be met through FRG resources and assures appropriate referrals are made to community organizations. The FRG leader disseminates unit and installation information to family members and other FRG volunteers.

FRG Volunteers: : Provide assistance to the FRG leader and family members as phone tree POC, treasurer, and secretary. FRG Volunteers in POC roles are a key means of providing outreach to family members with special needs.

Army Community Service (ACS): ACS is the principal source of resources and services for families, soldiers, commanders/RDC, and FRGs. ACS assists unit and installation personnel with pre-deployment and reintegration briefings and offers a variety of training programs for soldiers and family members. ACS staff also coordinates with Army Emergency Relief (AER) and Red Cross to provide rapid response to emergency situations and financial assistance.

Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) Training Guidance
There are several trainings opportunities available that will help to prepare you to do an effective job and provide you with professional development. Please review our training guidance for information regarding training opportunities.

New FRSA Training
Army Community Service conducts the initial training for newly hired FRSAs. This training is designed to orientate and inform new FRSAs about the roles and responsibilities of the position. The training required within the first 30 days of assignment. New FRSAs should also contact the Family Readiness Program Manager for additional guidance and information regarding the FRSA program.

Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) Training
FRSAs are responsible for assisting with the establishment and maintenance of the unit�s vFRG website. Training for the vFRG site is available on-line and from Army Community Service. Please contact the Mobilization and Deployment Specialist at your local ACS for the upcoming training dates.

The Army�s Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) website provides a secure environment in which information, resources, and support are available to Soldiers and their Family Members 24 hours a day, regardless of their geographic location. A unit�s virtual vFRG site, promotes the community feeling within Army units by providing a place that is customized to the unit and contains content that is controlled by the unit.

vFRG is a Commander�s tool that allows them to communicate directly to Soldiers and Family Members. Unit vFRG sites can be accessed at any time to view information and photos, read stories, ask questions, participate in Forums, and much more.

Click onto http://armyfrg.org for various support documents, on-line training schedule and information to assist you in working with the Army vFRG System.

AFTB Training
All FRSAs are strongly encouraged to complete Army Family Team Building (AFTB) training as this is a great way to enhance your knowledge of the Army. Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Levels I, II and III can be completed through classes at your local Army Community Services (ACS).

FRG Classes and Training
Classroom Training: Army Community Services (ACS) is the proponent for training FRSAs, FRG Leaders and FRG volunteers on the effective operation of a Family Readiness Group (FRG). Please contact the Mobilization and Deployment Specialist at your local ACS for the upcoming training dates.

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