Family Programs Branch (Ombudsman)

Mary Holmes BC-HHF
Branch Chief

Ombudsman Program-“The Coast Guard Needs Your Support!”

 

“What is an Ombudsman?”

An Ombudsman is a volunteer (who may be a spouse, reservist, or Auxiliarist) that is designated by a Command to serve as a link between the command and families. They assist the command in its functions of providing information and related services to families regarding sources of assistance available to them, Coast Guard and command policies, and activities of interest to family members. They take confidential concerns of the families to the command. The Ombudsman is also available to help parents and other relatives of crew members. The Ombudsman is familiar with the local community and its resources.

“Why is this important?”

Many Coast Guard units and their personnel have been called upon to perform many new tasks in regards to homeland security, in addition to their basic responsibilities. Because of this, Coast Guard personnel are away from home and their families more often. The Coast Guard would like to have an Ombudsman available at as many commands as possible, to provide support and assistance to families.

“What type of person is an Ombudsman?”

An Ombudsman needs to be able to distinguish between issues suitable for public discussion and those requiring confidentiality. They must have good interpersonal and organization skills. They must have a positive attitude about life in general and about the Coast Guard in particular. They must understand and support command policies, be familiar with Coast Guard missions, organization and traditions. They must be a good listener and above all, be considered trustworthy.

“What are some of the responsibilities of an Ombudsman?”

• Through meetings, mailings and articles in publications inform family members on the command’s behalf.
• Meet with the command regularly to articulate family concerns.
• Refer families to appropriate sources of assistance in resolving family related questions. The Ombudsman’s role is not to solve other people’s problems but to link them to resources that will provide the needed assistance
• Maintain local resource files.
• Immediately report suspected or substantiated cases of family violence. The Ombudsman shall not offer counsel or investigate further.
• The Ombudsman must be a reliable source of information and trustworthy source of help in an emergency.

“What type of training is available?”

There are variety of opportunities for the Ombudsman to receive training in the skills needed for the position, including the following:

• Regional – Ombudsman training is offered on the regional level by Coast Guard Headquarters.
• District Work-Life Staffs – Districts may offer Ombudsman training as needed.
• US Navy Basic Ombudsman Course – Regionally the Navy also offers training for Ombudsmen in all major Navy Family Service Centers.
• US Navy Relief Ombudsman Course – This course is offered by the Navy Wife line Association in Washington D.C.,

“What other information is available?”

COMDTINST 1750.4D Ombudsman

“How do I become an Ombudsman?

If you are interested in becoming an Ombudsman with a Coast Guard unit in your area, please contact that unit’s Officer in Charge.

Currently the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is working with the U.S. Coast Guard Work-Life to link up interested Auxiliarist's and local Coast Guard commands who need an Ombudsman. The member will be vetted through their DCO prior to CG interview. Please be aware that the local Commanding Officer/Officer-in-Charge has the final authority on appointing an Ombudsman.

 

Auxiliarist interested in the Ombudsman Program may also contact:

Mary Holmes BC-HHF Branch Chief