AF Form 4402: Family Advocacy Informed Consent Guide – Air Force families facing stress, parenting challenges, or relationship issues can access vital support through the Department of the Air Force Family Advocacy Program (FAP). AF Form 4402, titled Family Advocacy Informed Consent – Prevention, serves as a key document that ensures participants understand their rights, risks, and benefits before joining voluntary prevention services.
This article explains everything USAF service members, spouses, and families need to know about AF Form 4402, including its purpose, what it covers, and how to access it.
What Is AF Form 4402?
AF Form 4402 is the official Family Advocacy Informed Consent form for prevention services under the Air Force Family Advocacy Program. Updated as of September 28, 2023 (AF FORM 4402, 20230928), it documents that participants voluntarily agree to prevention programs designed to strengthen military families.
The form falls under DAFI 40-301 (Family Advocacy Program) guidance and supports the broader DoD effort to prevent child abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, and problematic behaviors while promoting family resilience.
Purpose of the Family Advocacy Informed Consent Form
The primary goal of AF Form 4402 is to ensure informed consent. By signing, participants acknowledge:
- Participation in FAP prevention services is completely voluntary.
- They can withdraw at any time without notice or penalty.
- They may complete program assessment questionnaires (data analyzed only in aggregate/group form—no individual names or identifiers used in research).
- Potential risks (e.g., questions touching on personal or sensitive issues) and benefits (improved family understanding, coping skills, self-care knowledge, and relationship satisfaction).
- If disclosed information raises safety or medical concerns, staff may need to share it with appropriate Air Force personnel or physicians (with notification to the participant).
The form also notes that student professionals, technicians, and volunteers receive supervision for quality assurance. A witness (usually a FAP staff member) reviews the information with the client.
Who Should Use AF Form 4402?
Eligible participants include:
- Active Duty Air Force and Air Force Reserve members
- Their family members (spouses, children, and sometimes intimate partners)
- Anyone referred to or seeking FAP prevention and outreach services
Common programs include parenting education, relationship strengthening workshops, New Parent Support Program (NPSP), stress management, and general family wellness initiatives. FAP serves TRICARE-eligible personnel at installations worldwide.
Note: This form applies specifically to prevention services. Separate forms and processes exist for maltreatment intervention or unrestricted/restricted reports of abuse.
Key Sections of AF Form 4402
- Volunteer Participation Statement — Emphasizes voluntary nature and right to withdraw.
- Assessment Questionnaires — Group data only for program evaluation.
- Risks and Benefits — Balanced disclosure of potential emotional sensitivity vs. skill-building gains.
- Safety Exception — Limited confidentiality when safety/medical needs arise.
- Signatures — Participant, date, and witness (FAP staff).
The form carries Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) markings and references Privacy Act, HIPAA, and AFI 33-332 protections.
How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 4402?
- Official Download: Access the latest version directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af4402/af4402.pdf - FAP staff at your local Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or Family Support Center typically provide and review the form during intake.
- It is filled out in person with a counselor or prevention specialist who explains the program.
Tip for Air Force families: Contact your installation’s FAP office for guidance. Services are confidential where possible and aim to support mission readiness without unnecessary command involvement in prevention tracks.
Broader Context: Air Force Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
The FAP mission is to build healthy communities by preventing and addressing domestic abuse, child maltreatment, and related issues. Prevention services (supported by AF Form 4402) focus on education, skill-building, and early intervention to strengthen families before problems escalate.
Related resources often include:
- New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
- Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) services
- Strength-based therapy and outreach
All services remain voluntary, with strong emphasis on privacy and safety planning.
Why Informed Consent Matters in Military Family Support?
Signing AF Form 4402 protects both the participant and the program. It ensures transparency, respects autonomy, and maintains trust in a system designed to help military families thrive under unique deployment, PCS, and operational stresses.
Need Help? Contact FAP
Reach out to your local Air Force Family Advocacy Program office or visit the Military OneSource website for installation locators and additional resources. Services are available to support your family’s health and readiness.
Download AF Form 4402 here: Official PDF
This information is based on official Air Force publications and forms as of 2026. Always verify the most current version through official e-Publishing channels or your installation FAP office.