OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 

The Ombudsman Program is an official Navy family readiness program designed to enhance mission readiness and resiliency and establish a sense of community. The Fleet and Family Support Center NAWS China Lake provides family support services, information/referral, and support to the NAWS Ombudsman Program.

OMBUDSMAN CODE OF ETHICS

The Ombudsman Code of Ethics is the essential foundation upon which an ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained. Ombudsmen must adhere to a strict code of confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals and maintain the credibility of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. Confidential information is sensitive information about a Sailor or family member that is kept within the CO’s designated network of those who have a need to know. The Ombudsman Code of Ethics states that ombudsmen must:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Support the command’s mission.
• Work within the chain of command as directed.
• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

 

REPORTABLES (NON-CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION)

Confidentiality does not mean that the ombudsman keeps all information from the CO or those who have a need to know. Issues that the ombudsman must report to the CO and/or Navy and state entities are called “reportable” information.

All Department of Navy (DON) personnel, including ombudsmen, are mandated reporters (with the exceptions of chaplains and attorneys, who have privileged communication). This includes command leadership, child and youth services staff, security personnel, social workers, educators and health care professionals.

OPNAVINST 1750.1G CH-2 requires ombudsmen to report the following situations:

• All suspected or known child abuse/neglect.
• Alleged domestic abuse.
• Suspected or potential homicides, violence or life-endangering situations.
• All suspected or potential suicidal risks.
• All alleged sexual assaults.
• Other issues identified by the CO as reportable.

Allegations of domestic abuse or child abuse must be reported to the CO and the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Family Advocacy Program (FAP). Allegations of sexual assault must be reported to the CO and the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC). 

FFSC NAWS China Lake OMBUDSMAN TRAINING

Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT): OBT is a mandatory 17.5 hour course that provides ombudsmen with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to be successful in their volunteer role. OBT is offered in several formats – the traditional classroom version or HYBRID is referred to as OBT and is hosted in-person at NAWS China Lake. The online version, eOBT, is a blend of five live webinars and four on-demand modules. Both options fulfill the training requirements outlined in the Navy Family Ombudsman Program instruction, OPNAVINST 1750.1G CH-2. Ombudsmen must repeat OBT/eOBT every three years or if more than 18 months have passed between command appointments. See below for registration information.

Advanced Trainings: Ombudsman must also take regular advanced trainings offered at FFSC NAWS China Lake or online, such as the monthly Ombudsman Hot Topic (OHT) webinars offered by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). OHTs are recorded and can be accessed on the self-paced tab of the CNIC Learning Management Systems (LMS) at mynavyfamily.com. 

Ombudsman Assembly: Ombudsmen are required to represent their command at local Quality of Life/Ombudsman Assembly meetings.

NRSW Ombudsman Assembly is a quarterly meeting of all command Ombudsmen in the region. The Ombudsman Assembly is an important component of the Ombudsman Program because it provides opportunities for sharing and exchanging information, resources, best practices, and as a forum for policy discussion and clarification by appropriate local authorities regarding issues of interest to Ombudsmen and command family members. Ombudsman Assemblies also frequently serve as an opportunity for the professional development of local Ombudsmen by providing topical training. Contact your Ombudsman Coordinator at 760-939-4553or email deborah.a.edwards57.naf@us.navy.mil for the schedule and more information.

Ombudsman On-Demand Orientation: This is a 60-minute, online overview of the Ombudsman Program that highlights the key points of Ombudsman Basic Training. This course is designed for those personnel who want to learn more about the program without taking the full training or you are a newly appointed Ombudsman and unable to take OBT with in the first 60 days.

Registration: Please register for training by calling the Ombudsman Coordinator at 760-939-4553 or email deborah.a.edwards57.naf@us.navy.mil. Reminder: Children are not allowed to attend training sessions, therefore we ask that you plan accordingly for your childcare needs. If you need resources please reach out to your Ombudsman Coordinator.

Ombudsman Coordinator for all Ombudsman at NAWS China Lake:
Deborah Edwards
Phone: 760-939-4553 
Email address: deborah.a.edwards57.naf@us.navy.mil