MFLC program complements existing services Published April 20, 2012 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Military & Family Life Consultant Program across the armed services provides an invaluable resource for adults and children, supporting service members and their families. At Robins, each consultant serves a 90-day rotation on a contractual basis. Existing services for adults include non-medical counseling on life skills such as anger management, communication, parenting, relationship issues and conflict resolution. Military topics include deployment stress, relocation adjustment, separation, and occupational and family issues. MFLCs don't exist to replace existing family support programs, but to complement them. "It has been a great service as part of the Airman & Family Readiness Center," said Susan Anderson, A&FRC chief. Some of the services of an MFLC include accompanying A&FRC consultants as they visit local units, teaching select classes on request, and providing free non-therapeutic services - with no kept records - on a short-term basis. Many of the same services also exist in the Robins Child & Youth Behavioral Program at the Youth Center, which serves more than 200 youth during the summer, and Robins' two Child Development Centers, which serve more than 300 children year-round. "They've been a great resource to provide training - not only for staff, but also for the children - talking to them about issues like bullying and communicating with friends," said Mandie Holovach, Youth Center school-age coordinator. Parents also benefit from conversations with MFLCs, who provide an outside view of their child's progress and behavior in the classroom. "We really need that other person to provide for a lot of children who may need it," said Pam Martinez, CDC East director. "By having an MFLC, our staff can also speak to someone who is totally objective. When I was at Kadena Air Base, with the war going on, we saw a lot of families who were dealing with grief and loss. I knew it to be a great program." Including the MFLC assigned to the A&FRC, there is also one full-time MFLC for youth programs only. However, because summer is a busy time with children out of school, Robins will add a second youth MFLC to assist with services. With frequent deployments, youth MFLCs can enhance existing services, communicating with staff and working with children to provide individualized care during difficult times. To schedule an appointment, call 478-538-1732.