For Command
Defence Community Organisation supports Commanders in looking after the welfare of ADF members and their families. We provide Commanders with advice, assessment and reporting, and Defence families with support services to help them make the most of the challenges and opportunities of the military way of life.
Support for Defence families
We provide a broad range of services to ADF members and their families. Knowing what support is available to Defence families can help Commanders provide appropriate advice and guidance to the ADF members you are responsible for. You can also formally refer Defence families to DCO for support.
Support for Commanders
We offer services to commanding and supervising officers to support them in making decisions relating to or affecting the welfare of ADF members and their families.
These services include:
- liaison with families,
- advice and information in regard to compassionate issues or welfare concerns,
- professional assessment and reporting by social workers,
- welfare training and briefings for military staff, and
- case management in the event of family illness, injury or death.
Liaison, advice and case support
Reporting, assessment and compassionate issues
Make sure ADF members complete their administration
There is some essential administration ADF members must do before they go on any deployment or exercise, in order for support to be delivered appropriately to their family. Although this is the responsibility of the ADF member, by encouraging them to complete this administration you can ensure support mechanisms work effectively during deployments and in times of injury, illness or bereavement.
For details, visit Preparing for deployment and click on the ADF member admin tab.
The Commanding Officers’ Handbook
The Commanding Officers’ Handbook contains more detailed information about how DCO works with Commanders to support the wellbeing and morale of ADF members and their families.
Download the handbook
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