scope:

PURPOSE. This Instruction:

a. Reissues DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1342.19 (Reference (a)) in accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5124.02 (Reference (b)) and the guidance in DTM 17-004 and DoDIs 1342.22 and 1400.32 (References (c), (d), and (e)).

b. Establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures for the care of dependent family members of Service members, including Reserve Component (RC) members, and of members of the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW) (hereafter referred to collectively as "Members") who are:

(1) Single parents.

(2) Dual-Member couples with dependents.

(3) Married with custody or joint custody of a child whose non-custodial biological or adoptive parent is not the current spouse of the Member, or who otherwise bear sole responsibility for the care of children under the age of 19 or for others unable to care for themselves in the absence of the Member.

(4) Primarily responsible for dependent family members.

(5) (ADDED)(AF) Civilian employees and contractor personnel in emergency essential positions, who are not CEW, are also strongly encouraged to establish family care plans consistent with this instruction. They should, within legal constraints, also avail themselves and their caregivers of the information, support, and resources provided by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and social service organizations.