Children requiring emergency placement care can range from infants to teenagers. They share the same basic needs as all children; however, they may require extra attention and care as they cope with the unexpected separation from their family. While most children readily adapt to their new environment, some may become sullen and confused. To remedy this, children in placement will have access to counseling and other supportive services to help them cope with the difficult changes in their lives.

EPC families are currently limited to Families and AD Soldiers and DOD civilians.  DOD Civilian is defined as a Federal civilian employee of the department of defense directly hired and paid from appropriated and non-appropriated funds, under permanent or temporary appointment. Specifically excluded are contractors and foreign host nationals as well as third country civilians. (JP 1-03.17) (US DoD)Providers must have adequate income to meet the needs of their own family, as well as those of the children placed in their care. Provider’s homes must have adequate space to comfortably accommodate the children. Single parents, working parents, and childless couples are all welcome participants.

EPC providers are responsible for the day-to-day care of the children. It is expected they take an active interest in the physical needs, emotional well-being and school performance of the children in their care. At the beginning of a placement, if a child does not have all of the basic items of necessity, there are resources available for providers to obtain them.

Will I receive compensation as an EPC provider?

Providers are not guaranteed to have regular placements.  However, the reimbursement rate for EPC providers is $35 per day, per child. It is also possible to have incidental expenses reimbursed as a result of providing care.

What are the requirements of my home?

1. The home should not present any hazards to the safety of children.

2. A separate bedroom for placed children is not required.  However, the home should be comfortable and offer privacy to the child.

3. Each child will be required to have their own bed.

4. Children of the opposite sex cannot share the same bedroom.

5. The home must be located with ready access to schools, medical treatment, recreation, churches and other community resources.

I live in quarters on the economy.  Am I eligible to provide EPC?

Yes. Individuals residing on and off-post are eligible to become EPC providers.

I work full-time.  Will I need to take time off work if a child is in my care?

No.  Arrangements will be made for the child to go to a Child Development Center or Before/After School Care, as necessary.

How long does it take to become certified?

Generally, it takes a minimum of 90 days to become certified.

Will my family be on-call 24/7?

Although the need for placement may happen at any time, providers are not expected to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have vacation planned, simply let the EPC Coordinator know and you will not be considered as a possible placement home during that time.

How long is my certification valid?

The training you receive is valid for one year. After one year, you will be instructed on recertification procedures.

Does it matter how long I will be living here?

Yes. You must be available to serve as an EPC provider for at least one year after certification.

Will the biological parent(s)/legal guardians of the child know who I am?

Our policy is to protect the identity of the EPC provider families. However, due to the nature of our small communities, it is difficult to guarantee 100% confidentiality. In the past, some legal guardians have been comfortable and willing to meet the EPC providers and vice versa.  However, this is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the situation and all of the individuals involved. ACS works diligently to protect our EPC families and to respect your choices and preferences. In a case when a natural family requests contact with the EPC provider family, it is up to the EPC family to determine whether or not they are comfortable doing so.

Can being a provider lead to adoption?

No.  EPC is designed to help families in crisis by providing a temporary home for children while the family receives the appropriate treatment to resolve the issues which caused the child’s removal.  Reunification with the biological parents/legal guardians is the goal of each EPC case. 

I want to become a provider. What steps do I take?

Contact your local garrison Family Advocacy Program.  The EPC Coordinator will assist you with the application process including:

• Application
• Background check documents
• Child and home safety training requirements
• Home study
• Home safety inspection

This initial meeting will allow you to ask questions and will provide you with information needed to make an informed decision about becoming an EPC provider.

Please complete the application and contact your local placement office. 

Application