Index
Bereavement Support
Defence Community Organisation Bereavement Support
The Defence Community Organisation (DCO), on behalf of Command is responsible for the support of the next of kin (NOK), families and other close associates of Defence members who die in Service. In addition, the services of DCO are fully available to survivors and their families and families of ADF Cadets who die while participating in an ADF sponsored activity.
DCO aims to provide support to bereaved families that ensures they have accurate information, practical assistance, emotional support and counselling available that reflects the unique requirements of the family.
The support delivered by the Defence Support Team begins with notification of the death and continues for as long as the family finds the support helpful. A separate Defence Support Team is also available to provide support during a Commission of Inquiry. The DCO Support Team will normally be led by a DCO Social Worker Case Manager and will also include a Military Support Officer (MSO), an ADF Chaplain, a representative from the member’s Unit/Service and other personnel as required.
DCO Support Roles
Appointment of a Case Manager for Families
The time following the notification of the death of a loved one is often a very difficult and confusing time. Dealing with all estate matters can also be extremely distressing and complex. Consequently, a Case manager Social Worker will be appointed to manage the provision of support, assistance and guidance to the partners and families of deceased members. The Case manager will act as a primary point of contact for the next of kin and family members.
Role of the Case Manager (Social Worker)
The Social Worker Case manager will take the lead in providing direct personal bereavement support to the family. The Case manager will;
- Undertake a professional assessment of the family’s needs
- Develop a case management plan in conjunction with the MSO and other key personnel including Command.
- Provide appropriate and timely support as the family may require
- Provide tailored and flexible support which recognises the chaotic and individual nature of grief and which meets the family’s needs.
- Be the organisational point of contact
- Provide appropriate referral to other allied support and enabling agencies
Role of the Military Support Officer (MSO)
The MSO will assist in the administration of deceased estates and provide and coordinate assistance to the member’s partner and/or next of kin. In conjunction with the members Commanding Officer and Defence Community Organisation Head Quarters (DCOHQ), MSOs will:
- Ensure that the appropriate authority deals with Service funeral costs or reimbursement for a private funeral (up to reasonable limited costs).
- Assist financial dependents in accessing the respective Relief Trust Fund or advancement of Bereavement payments to ensure they have sufficient funds to meet immediate needs. The Testator’s accounts including some joint accounts may be frozen and withdrawals may be difficult. This will depend on the relevant financial institution.
- Obtain the original copy of the deceased’s Will if lodged with the Department of Defence and forward to the appropriate representative.
- Assist in the location and coordination of all personal effects located on Commonwealth property. The MSO will ensure appropriate procedures are followed for storage and removal of the member’s personal effects
ADF Chaplains Supporting Bereavement
The Role of the ADF Chaplain
Defence Chaplains are responsible for providing support, spiritual guidance and pastoral care to bereaved NOK and to others in the deceased member’s wider family, as appropriate.
If a military funeral is requested, ADF Chaplains are also responsible for the organisation of and/or participation in the funeral, in accordance with the wishes of the family. The DCO Military Support Officer (MSO) will assist in the administrative aspects of a military funeral and liaise with appropriate service authorities regarding ceremonial aspects.
Experiencing Bereavement
The Bereavement Process
Grief is the response to a loss and it covers a broad range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Many individuals will experience the most common reaction of sadness but may also experience feelings of anger, depression, guilt and anxiety.
Grief is a normal experience and it can also be a very painful experience.
It is important to recognise that grief is an individual response
There is no ‘right way’ to grieve.
Our emotional reactions will often depend on a range of personal, family and social factors including:
- Personality
- Age
- Gender
- Spiritual and cultural beliefs
- Previous experience of grief and loss
- Health status
- Relationships with the loved one
- Levels of family and social support available
Normal Reactions
The following is a list of some normal reactions that might be experienced. This is not an exhaustive list and some might experience all or some of these at various times:
- Shock
- Disbelief
- Passionate sadness
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Confusion
- Depression
- Fear of going mad
- Feeling unable to cope
- Guilt
- Despair
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Loneliness
- Relief
The entire above are considered to be ‘normal’ emotional responses to the loss of a loved one.
If you need further information contact your local DCO Office or visit some of the sites provided below.
Further information and Useful Links
Further and more detailed information on the range of services and support available can be found in the DCO publication: ADF Bereavement Support available at all DCO offices. This booklet contains information on the following:
- Definitions
- Funerals and Memorials
- Registering a Death
- Coroner and Autopsy
- ADF Inquiry
- Media
- Executor
- Wills
- Pay Details
- Commonwealth Superannuation
- Centrelink
- Compensation
- Removals
- Housing
- Other Assistance
The following link to the Victorian Government betterhealth site which provides a range of grief related fact sheets:
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- Grief – everyone’s response is different
- Grief - how to help the bereaved
- Grief - support services
- Grief and bereavement - questions and answers
- Grief and children
- Grief explained
The New South Wales Department of Health also offers useful information on bereavement at the website: www.health.nsw.gov.au
Other useful links include:
The Bereavement Care Centre: www.bereavementcare.com.au
GriefLink - www.grieflink.asn.au
Compassionate Issues
Defence provides a number of provisions for members in times of unusual circumstance, crisis or emergency. The DCO provides advice or assessments for members' supervisors or Commanding Officers so that they can exercise compassionate consideration. Approach your local DCO Office for assistance or support at these times.
Leave, travel and posting provisions can be made on compassionate grounds, as outlined on the Compassionate Issues page.
Confidential Casework and Counselling Services
Counselling services, delivered by DCO Defence Social Workers (DSWs) are available to all members of the ADF and all members of their family.
Defence Social Workers abide by the Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, and consultations with Social Workers remain confidential. The content and detail of any discussion with a DCO Social Worker will be kept private and confidential and nothing is documented on ADF records. No information is disclosed unless there are concerns for the safety and welfare of the client or others, or in instances involving serious breaches of the Defence Force Discipline Act (DFDA).
Members or partners can contact a Defence Social Worker for a range of issues including, but not limited to:
- Resilience building
- Relationship issues (couples counselling available)
- Social isolation
- Work issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Grief and loss
- Mental health issues
- Suicide and suicide prevention
For more information see Further Information and Useful Links.
Making Appointments
To make an appointment with a Defence Social Worker, e-mail, fax or phone your local DCO Area Office. On-call Social Workers can also be contacted out of hours (24/7) through the National Welfare Coordination Centre (NWCC).
During normal working hours, clearance from your supervisor to attend for a DCO appointment will be required, unless you are already on some form of leave or approved absence.
Referrals
DCO Social Workers are able to refer clients to other agencies or programs to achieve the best solution or outcome to any issues clients approach them with. Outcomes, options and any strategies discussed are private and confidential to the meeting, and, subject to concerns for welfare as referred to above, no actions will proceed without your consent. If experiencing problems it may also be helpful to consider sharing or seeking some information exchange with another party. For example:
- Another health care professional (Psychologist, Medic, Chaplain)
- An expert in another field (a Consultant/Specialist Medic or member of your local Regional Mental Health Team
- Another agency or service provider in the local community
- Your supervisor
- Commanding Officer
- Your partner (girlfriend or boyfriend)
- A family member
Further Information and Useful Links
Other DCO Services
If you contact your local DCO Office for information, advice or assistance on a personal, family or service related matters, they will be able to refer you to the appropriate DCO Area Team member to address your needs. Counselling is not the only option. For example:
- The Family Liaison Officer (FLO) can help with local area information, about community services, organisations or clubs and activities.
- The Military Support Officer (MSO) can help with matters relating to conditions of service, pay and military service and entitlement related matters.
Other Defence Services
Further information on wellbeing and Defence's Mental Health Strategy can be found on the Wellbeing and Crises page of this website. Conversely you can go directly to the ADF Mental Health Strategy website.
Defence has a policy on unacceptable behaviour, harassment and bullying. The Defence Equity Organisation provides information, assistance and support on these and related issues. Further information can be found on the Defence Equity or Defence Intranet site.
National Depression Initiative
BeyondBlue is the National Depression Initiative (not a Defence agency). Their website provides a wealth of information and resources for anyone experiencing depression or those who know someone who is.
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