Program offers parents time off for good behavior Published Jan. 29, 2016 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Active duty Air Force families can get some relief with a program called Give Parents a Break. Funded by the Air Force Aid Society, this option is available through a referral from a commander, the chapel, a doctor, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Child Development Center or Family Advocacy personnel. Robins plans to offer the free service to parents the first Saturday of each month this year. "We've had this program since the early 1990s; Robins is just rekindling it," said Anthony Raas, 78th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Flight chief. The base hasn't had a lot of interest in the program in the past year but because Raas and his staff recognize its importance, they are trying to get the word out to families who need the break. "You have deployments, and you move all the time. With that stress alone, you need to take a break," said Capt. Jaleesa Council, Airman and Family Services deputy flight chief. For those who have experienced the birth of a child, a death in the family or for a variety of other reasons, the service can be of real value. Children from 6-weeks to 17-years old are eligible. They're set up in age-appropriate classrooms so parents have four hours free to decompress. Children are also given a light snack during their stay at either the Youth Center or the Child Development Center. "Essentially the program is here to help them to be more resilient," Raas said. For more information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 468-1256 or 478-926-1256. What to know: Give Parents a Break is a free child care program for Air Force families experiencing stressors such as PCS, deployment, new birth and other family difficulties. Please register with Child Development Center no later than the Wednesday prior to the date you plan to use the program. Call the CDC to reserve your spot at DSN 468-5805 or 478-926-5805.