DCO provides support throughout the bereavement process response to the wishes of the family.
Index
- DCO Bereavement Support
- DCO Support Roles
- ADF Chaplains Supporting Bereavement
- Experiencing Bereavement
- Further Information and Useful Links
The Defence Community Organisation, on behalf of command, is responsible for the support of the next of kin (NOK) of members of the ADF who die in service and for 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 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, including during a Commission of Inquiry. The Defence Support Team will normally be led by a 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.
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 the estate matters can also be extremely distressing and complex. Consequently, and in consultation with the local DCO Area Manager, the Director of Military Support in HQDCO will appoint a Case Manager to provide support, assistance and guidance to the partners, and families of deceased members. This person will be a member of the local Defence Support Team and 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 and provide and coordinate assistance to the member's partner and/or next of kin. In conjunction with the members Commanding Officer, Case Managers will:
- Ensure that the appropriate authority deals with Service funeral costs or reimbursement for a private funeral (up to reasonable limited costs).
- Assist financial dependants in accessing the respective Relief Trust Fund or advancement of Bereavement payments to ensure they have sufficient money to meet immediate needs. The Testator's accounts, including 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 Department of Defence and forward to the appropriate representative.
- Assist in the location and coordination of all personal effects located on Commonwealth property. The Case Manager will ensure appropriate procedures are followed for storage, removal and/or disposal of the member's personal effects.
Defence Social Worker Support
As part of the assigned Defence Support Team, a Defence Social Worker will also be appointed to underake a professional assessment of the family's needs and to provide appropriate and timely support and /or counselling as the family may require. This could also include referral to other allied support and enabling agencies. This support will be made available for as long as its required by the family.
Casework and Counselling Services
DCO Defence Social Worker, Casework and Counselling services are also part of the support services provided in support of the partners and next of kin of deceased members. Information on these services can be accessed in Casework and Counselling Services.
The Role of the ADF Chaplain
Following initial notification and the provision of early support to the NOK, the designated ADF Chaplain will work closely with the members CO / Unit and the DCO Case Manager to ensure the sensitive coordination of support provided to the members family, including visit timings and funeral arrangements.
If a Service funeral is requested by the NOK, then the ADF chaplain may, in close consultation with ADF commanders and the DCO case manager, undertake liaison with the member's family about some of the procedural and spiritual elements of the funeral. The Chaplain may also be involved in preparing the Order of Service and allied arrangements.
The Chaplain also coordinates any eulogy from the family and the ADF within the service, and may be liaising with the unit / ship or establishment and family to coordinate this. The Chaplain may also be required to coordinate other Chaplains that may be involved.
The Bereavement Process
If you need further information during bereavement contact your local DCO Office or visit some of the sites provided below.
Further Information
The following links to the Victorian Government betterhealth site provide a wide range of helpful information and a Q & A page.
The Centre for Grief Education website provides access to a vast range of links covering different aspects and categories associated with bereavement, grief and loss.
end of Bereavement |
Top |