AF Form 4404: Family Advocacy Program Referral Guide – The AF Form 4404, officially titled the Family Advocacy Program Referral Form, serves as a critical document in the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to protect military families from domestic abuse, child maltreatment, and related issues. This form initiates referrals to the Department of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program (DAF FAP), enabling timely assessments, support services, and interventions.
Air Force personnel, medical providers, commanders, and concerned family members or civilians use it to report suspected incidents or seek preventive support. Understanding this form helps service members and their families access confidential resources designed to promote safety, resilience, and healthy relationships.
What Is the Family Advocacy Program (FAP)?
The DAF FAP is a comprehensive DoD-mandated program that addresses:
- Domestic abuse (including intimate partner violence)
- Child abuse and neglect
- Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY)
- Prevention services like the New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
Its mission focuses on prevention, early identification, reporting, and treatment to build healthier communities and support mission readiness. Services include victim advocacy, clinical interventions, safety planning, and referrals to on- and off-base resources. All services are voluntary where possible, with strong emphasis on victim safety and confidentiality (subject to legal limits).
Key FAP Components:
- Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) services (24/7 crisis support)
- Clinical assessments and treatment
- Multidisciplinary case management (involving commanders, medical staff, law enforcement, etc.)
- Prevention and outreach programs
Purpose of AF Form 4404
This form standardizes the referral process for suspected family maltreatment or preventive needs (e.g., New Parent Support Program or Family Advocacy Strength Training). It captures essential details about the sponsor, victim(s), alleged abuser, incident, and involved parties to enable a coordinated response.
The current version (as of 2025 updates) is prescribed by DAFI 40-301, Family Advocacy Program. It includes sections for different referral types and ensures compliance with Privacy Act and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements.
Who Should Use AF Form 4404?
- Air Force medical providers and mental health professionals
- Commanders and first sergeants
- Security Forces, AFOSI, or other reporting agencies
- Self-referrals by service members or family members
- Civilian employees or contractors on base
- Concerned third parties (with limitations on anonymous reports)
Mandatory reporting applies to many DoD personnel for known or suspected child maltreatment or domestic abuse.
Key Sections of the AF Form 4404
The fillable PDF form includes:
- Referral Type — Maltreatment, NPSP, FAST, etc.
- Sponsor, Adult Partner, Alleged Abuser, and Victim Information — Names, DoD IDs, contact details, employment status, etc.
- Incident Details — Date, location (on/off base), type of suspected maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect), weapons/substances involved, safety concerns.
- Notifications — To agencies like Child Protection Services, AFOSI, Security Forces, Commander, etc.
- Summary of Alleged Incident or Presenting Problem
- Personal Data of Others in the Home
- Signatures and Privacy Act Statement
Download the official form here: AF Form 4404 PDF
How to Submit a Referral Using AF Form 4404?
- Complete the relevant sections accurately (only fill sections applicable to the referral type).
- Submit to your installation’s Family Advocacy Program office (usually located at the Medical Treatment Facility or Family Support Center).
- FAP staff will acknowledge the referral, conduct risk/safety assessments, and initiate appropriate services (e.g., DAVA contact for victims, Clinical Case Staffing).
Reports can lead to:
- Immediate safety planning
- Multidisciplinary review (Incident Determination Committee / Central Registry Board)
- Treatment recommendations
- Command notifications as required
Note: FAP records are separate from standard medical health records in many cases, and documentation follows strict privacy guidelines.
What Happens After Submission?
FAP follows a structured process aligned with DoDM 6400.01 and DAFI 40-301:
- Initial Response — Safety assessment and victim support
- Investigation Coordination — With law enforcement/CPS as needed
- Clinical Case Staffing (CCS) — Multidisciplinary team review
- Incident Status Determination — By the Central Registry Board
- Intervention and Follow-Up — Treatment, monitoring, and closure
Commanders receive necessary information to support mission readiness and personnel actions. Victims receive dedicated advocacy.
Resources and Support for Air Force Families
- Installation FAP Office — Contact via your base Medical Group or search on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
- Military OneSource — 24/7 confidential counseling and referrals: militaryonesource.mil
- DAVA Hotline — For immediate domestic abuse support
- New Parent Support Program — Home visiting for families with young children
- Official Guidance: DAFI 40-301 (with 2025 GM)
Why This Matters for USAF Families?
Military life brings unique stressors—deployments, relocations, and high operational tempo—that can impact family dynamics. The FAP and AF Form 4404 provide a structured, compassionate pathway to help. Early referral often prevents escalation and supports long-term family well-being and career success.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to your local FAP team today. Reporting is a sign of strength and commitment to a safer force.
Keywords: AF Form 4404, Family Advocacy Program Referral, Air Force FAP, domestic abuse reporting Air Force, child maltreatment Air Force, DAFI 40-301, military family support.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official guidance. Always consult your installation FAP or legal advisor for specific situations.