AFAS 'gives parents a break' Published Oct. 7, 2009 By Glenn Arola EDWAIRDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) recognizes that Air Force families are subject to unique stresses due to the nature of military life -- deployments, remote tours of duty, extended working hours, etc. Families are often separated from spouses as well as from extended family members who might otherwise offer support. In an effort to help these families, the AFAS, in cooperation with the Air Force child care community, has agreed to provide funding for child care for active duty Air Force families under a program called "Give Parents a Break." The purpose of this program is to offer eligible active duty Air Force parents a few hours break from the stresses of parenting. Families may use this time to suit their personal needs. The AFAS pays the cost of opening the base Child Development Center (CDC) once a month for families referred to the program. Families using the center will not be charged for the care. In agreement with AF Services (Family Member Programs), GPAB will not be held if there are fewer than 8 children registered for the session. Active duty Air Force families eligible for the "Give Parents a Break" program include those where a parent is feeling stress due to: The military member being deployed on an extended TDY or on a remote tour of duty A family crisis or emergency such as serious illness of a family member, death in the family, extended illness of a family member, birth of a new baby, etc. Having a child with special needs Unique circumstances or hardships To be eligible for the program, families must be referred by one of the following base officials: Squadron commander/first sergeant Chaplain Doctor or other medical professional Family Advocacy personnel Airman and Family Readiness Center personnel Child Development Center personnel A referral certificate for this program must be issued and signed by the person making the referral. Child care should be recommended for a specific period of time, e.g. the length of a TDY or deployment, normally not longer than a 3 month period. This allows the situation to be reviewed periodically by the referring official. Certificates may be reissued if necessary. Reservations will be made as directed by your local CDC. Eligibility will be verified by the CDC when reservations are made.