SECTOR NORTH CAROLINA

Wilmington, North Carolina

Ombudsman Program Overview

The Coast Guard Ombudsman Program is a command program intended to improve communication between the command and the Coast Guard family members. Coast Guard Ombudsmen are communication links, provide information and referral resources and act as advocates for family members. This program was initially established in March 1986.

The Ombudsman Program is guided by Commandant Instruction 1750.4 (series) https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/sites/externaldata/Directives/CI_1750_4E.pdf where the Ombudsman Code of Conduct is found. This Code is the essential foundation upon which an Ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained.

Each Ombudsman shall:

•Support the command’s mission,

•Respect the command and family members

•Maintain confidentiality

•Avoid conflicts of interest

•Maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Ombudsman services include:

•Serve as liaison between the command and families and reports directly to the Commanding Officer, and also coordinates with the Executive Officer and Command Master Chief.

•Refer individuals with challenges/problems to the proper resources. For those seeking guidance about particular problems, the Ombudsman attempts to find the best resources possible to assist the individual or the family.

•Promote general awareness of family readiness planning to ensure family members are prepared to deal with the unique roles and responsibilities of service members.

•Communicate regularly with command and families.

•Adhere to the strictest code of confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals and maintain credibility of the Ombudsman Program.

The Ombudsman Family Check-In Form should be completed and turned in to your ombudsman, so that you and your family can receive Sector North Carolina event information and other valuable resources.

Helpful Links:

Office of Work Life-Ombudsman Program

http://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Ombudsman-Program

Work Life Ombudsman Coordinator Contact List http://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Ombudsman-Program/Ombudsman-Coordinators/

Ombudsman Program Command Cadre Toolkit

http://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Ombudsman-Program/Command-Cadre-Toolkit/

CG Ombudsman Registry

www.cgombudsmanregistry.org

Ombudsman Training Resources

http://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Ombudsman-Program/Ombudsman-Training-Resources/

Health Safety & Work-Life App

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uscg-hswl/id669218420?mt=8