Glossary

Child - An unmarried person under 18 years of age for whom a parent, guardian, foster parent, caregiver, employee of a residential facility, or any staff person providing out-of-home care is legally responsible.  The term "child" means a biological child, adopted child, stepchild, foster child, or ward.  The term also includes a sponsor's family member (except the sponsor's spouse) of any age who is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity, and for whom treatment in a DoD medical treatment program is authorized.

Child abuse and neglect - The physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian, foster parent, or by a caregiver, whether the caregiver is intrafamilial or extrafamilial, under circumstances indicating the child's welfare is harmed or threatened.  Such acts by a sibling, other family member, or other person shall be deemed to be child abuse only when the individual is providing care under express or implied agreement with the parent, guardian, or foster parent.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP) - This DoD-level program is designed to address prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up, and reporting of family violence.  FAPs consist of coordinated efforts designed to prevent and intervene in cases of family distress and to promote healthy family life.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - The purpose of this legislation is to: "amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes."  However, common references to the act refer to the standards it set for the confidentiality of private health information.

Home visit - This is a scheduled time for parents to meet privately with a New Parent Support Program (NPSP) professional in their home.  At least one parent must be present, and both parents are encouraged to participate.  During a home visit, a NPSP staff member assesses the family's unique circumstances, strengths, and needs.  The NPSP staff member then works with the parent(s) to develop a plan to address their specific goals.  This plan may include support and guidance related to pregnancy, labor and delivery, infant/toddler growth and development, safety, and parenting.  NPSP staff can also provide assistance with couple's communication and conflict management.  Referrals to resources and activities in the local community may be included. 

New Parent Support Program (NPSP) - A standardized FAP secondary prevention program using an intensive, voluntary home visitation model developed specifically for expectant parents and parents of children from birth to three years of age to reduce the risk of child abuse.

Parent - A person who is legally responsible for a child's welfare and with whom the child is living. Such person may be a biological, step, foster, or adoptive parent or a guardian or other person with power of attorney for the child (including a power of attorney pursuant to a child care plan for a Service member on active duty) authorized by the child's biological,  step, foster, or adoptive parent or guardian.

Playgroups - NPSP playgroups are regularly scheduled get-togethers for parents and their preschool age children.  They provide opportunities for families to enjoy learning and playing together while meeting other parents and their children.  The groups are generally parent-led with overall supervision by NPSP staff.  They meet at a designated place and time on military installations.  Playgroup availability and activities vary by installation.  Typical activities may include arts and crafts, free play, organized games, swimming pool play, field trips, and other special events.