Family Advocacy Program Defense Department Legislation

Military programs are governed by federal law, Department of Defense policy and additional policies specific to the branches of service. Below are the excerpts from federal law that govern child abuse prevention programs in the military.

Public Law 108-136, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004,” §572 and 573, November 24, 2003 Under Section 527 of this legislation, payments made under the Transitional Compensation Program can begin earlier and the duration of payments is more clearly defined. Section 573 allows the secretaries of the military departments to authorize transitional compensation benefits for individuals who would not otherwise be eligible.

Title 37 United States Code (USC) §476(a), “Travel and Transportation Allowances: Dependents; Baggage and Household Effects,” January 3, 2012 Under this law, the abused spouse or parent of an abused child wishing to relocate for personal safety reasons may request shipment of household goods and a personal auto if he or she wants to leave the abusive parent or spouse. This benefit is designed to assist abused spouses or parents of abused children who need to move away from the abuser for safety reasons.

Title 10 USC §1787, “Reporting of Child Abuse,” January 3, 2012 This is the federal child abuse reporting law, outlining who is required to report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate authorities. State statutes governing the reporting of child abuse are generally applicable to personnel on military installations as well.

Title 18 USC §922(d)(9) and (g)(9), “Unlawful Acts,” January 3, 2012 This legislation amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 and has provisions making it a felony for anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to possess a firearm.