DAF Form 357: Family Care Certification Guide (2026)

DAF Form 357: Family Care Certification Guide (2026) – If you are an active-duty Airman, Guardian, Reservist, or Air National Guard member with family responsibilities, understanding DAF Form 357 (Family Care Certification) is essential for maintaining military readiness and compliance with Department of the Air Force policy. This form ensures that your dependents receive proper care during deployments, TDYs, exercises, or other absences, allowing you to remain worldwide deployable without family-related issues impacting the mission.

What Is DAF Form 357?

DAF Form 357, officially titled Family Care Certification, is the Department of the Air Force document used to certify that military members have made adequate, workable arrangements for the care of their family members (dependents) during periods of absence due to military duties. It replaced or evolved from the earlier AF IMT 357 and implements guidance from DoDI 1342.19 and DAFI 36-2908, Family Care Plans.

The form documents:

  • Short-term and long-term caregivers.
  • Arrangements covering legal, medical, logistical, educational, financial, and other needs.
  • Certification by the member and caregivers that the plan is viable and they accept the responsibility.

Download the official DAF Form 357 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf357/daf357.pdf

Who Must Complete DAF Form 357?

Not every Air Force or Space Force member needs a documented plan on this form, but all members with families should maintain informal arrangements for contingencies. A formal DAF Form 357 is required for:

  • Single parents (including divorced, widowed, or separated members with custody or joint custody of children under 19, or sole responsibility for dependents unable to self-care).
  • Dual-military couples with dependent family members (typically children under 19 or others needing care).
  • Members married to civilians with unique family situations, as determined by the commander or first sergeant (e.g., spouse frequently absent for work, or caring for elderly/disabled relatives).

Civilian employees or contractors in emergency-essential positions are encouraged (but not always required) to create similar plans.

Commanders and first sergeants provide annual briefings on family care responsibilities during in-processing and annually thereafter.

Why Is the Family Care Plan Important?

The Department of the Air Force requires every member to ensure family care arrangements cover both short-term and long-term absences. This supports:

  • Mission readiness and worldwide availability.
  • Rapid transfer of responsibilities to caregivers.
  • Compliance with DoD and DAF policy to prevent family issues from affecting duty performance.

Failure to maintain an adequate plan can result in disciplinary or administrative actions, up to separation from service. Plans must be realistic, detailed, and include provisions for medical care, finances, education, housing, transportation, and religious needs.

How to Complete DAF Form 357?

  1. Gather Information — List all family members requiring care (names, ages, special needs). Identify primary short-term caregiver, long-term caregiver, and alternates. Ensure caregivers are willing and able (they must sign the form).
  2. Detail Arrangements — Describe how care will be provided (location, financial support, medical access, legal authority via powers of attorney, evacuation plans for overseas assignments, etc.).
  3. Certifications — The member certifies that arrangements allow worldwide availability. Caregivers certify they understand and accept the responsibilities.
  4. Supporting Documents — Often include special or general powers of attorney (for custody, finances, medical decisions), wills, and other legal paperwork. Consult your base Legal Office for assistance with “in loco parentis” authority and noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO).
  5. Submission — Submit the completed form (and supporting docs) to your commander or first sergeant. Keep copies for yourself and caregivers.

Timeline:

  • New arrivals to a unit: Typically within 60 days.
  • Changes in family status (birth, adoption, divorce, marriage to another military member, etc.): Notify your commander/first sergeant within 30 days (active duty) or as specified for Reserve/Guard, and update the plan.
  • Annual recertification: Required to confirm the plan remains current and workable.

Tip: Many installations recommend reviewing the plan with the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) or Military & Family Readiness Center for resources and referrals.

Common Sections on the Form

While the exact layout may vary slightly by version, typical elements include:

  • Member’s personal and duty information.
  • Details of family members needing care.
  • Designation of short-term, long-term, and alternate caregivers.
  • Member’s certification of worldwide availability.
  • Caregiver acknowledgments and signatures.
  • Privacy Act statement (information is used to verify care arrangements and contact designees).

Section I may address whether all family members are self-sufficient (age 19+ and capable). Detailed instructions are often printed on the form or in the governing DAFI.

  • Powers of Attorney (POA): Prepare special POAs for child care, finances, and medical decisions. These are not valid after the grantor’s death, so also prepare a will.
  • Financial Readiness: Ensure caregivers have access to funds (e.g., via allotments or joint accounts).
  • Overseas/Deployed Considerations: Include NEO designee for dependent-restricted tours.
  • Resources: Visit your base Legal Office, A&FRC, or EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) if special needs are involved. Child and Youth Programs or Family Child Care can provide additional support options.

Commanders may require review or updates if the plan appears unworkable.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Members who fail to establish or maintain adequate family care arrangements may face counseling, reprimands, denial of promotion, or administrative separation. The goal is support and readiness, not punishment—proactive planning prevents issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is DAF Form 357 the same as AF Form 357?
Yes, it is the current Department of the Air Force version of the longstanding Air Force Family Care Certification form.

Do I need it if both spouses are military but at the same base?
Generally yes for dual-military couples with dependents; one joint form may suffice in some cases.

How often do I update it?
Annually, plus within 30 days of significant family changes.

Where can I get help filling it out?
Contact your first sergeant, commander, base Legal Office, or A&FRC. Official guidance is in DAFI 36-2908 (Family Care Plans).

Is the form available electronically?
The fillable PDF is hosted on the official e-Publishing site. Some units may transition to virtual systems in the future.

Stay Mission-Ready with Proper Family Care Planning

Completing and maintaining your DAF Form 357 demonstrates responsibility and protects your family while supporting the Air Force and Space Force mission. Don’t wait for a short-notice deployment—review your arrangements today.

Official Download: DAF Form 357 PDF

For the most current policy, consult DAFI 36-2908 and DoDI 1342.19 on the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Always check with your chain of command or installation legal personnel for unit-specific guidance, as local procedures may supplement the instruction.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and guidance as of 2026. Policies can be updated; refer to official sources for the latest requirements.