FLO Website Feature: Member of Household Guidance

Visit the Family Liaison Office (FLO) website for guidance for Members of Household (family members not on employee's official travel orders). Find information on the specific definition of those eligible for MOH status, host country authority, work permits, education, travel expenses, housing, access to embassy services, evacuations, and more. Email FLOAskSupportServices@state.gov with your questions. 

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October is Work Life Wellness Month

Foreign Service life presents challenges, and the FS career can be particularly difficult when it comes to juggling personal and family wellness and work and life demands. The Work Life Wellness initiative, jointly run by the Bureaus of Medical Services and Human Resources at the Department of State, aims to help employee juggle demands while improving preventive health practices. Below are some resources to get you started.   

• MED Wellness Facebook Group—Closed group for current employees and family members with health and wellness tips and articles. Family members will need to provide their spouses state.gov email address.
• Health.gov—The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion works to improve the health of all Americans. Find information on dietary and physical activity guidelines and other prevention and wellness information.
• ChooseMyPlate.gov—From the U.S. Department of Agriculture, MyPlate helps you to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime.

Step It Up! - The Surgeon General’s call to action to promote walking and walkable communities.

Do You Have Questions? FLO Has Answers! Visit the Family Liaison Office’s (FLO) website (www.state.gov/flo) for frequently asked questions on a variety of topics including:  Education and Youth College Applications Family Member Employment Non-Competitive Eligibility Divorce in the Foreign Service  Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our A to Z Site Map or email FLO@state.gov.

GEI Program Expands Outreach to Family Members

As positions for family members within the mission remain limited, FLO kicked off a season of expanded outreach through the Global Employment Initiative (GEI) program. Since May 2017, Regional Global Employment Advisors (GEAs) visited 40 posts, delivering a variety of workshops and one-on-one consultations to discuss alternate employment options with family members, while also encouraging them to remain prepared for employment inside the mission as positions become available. In addition, GEAs increased the number of articles submitted to post newsletters, and participated in Welcome to Post webinars to virtually introduce themselves and their services.
 

GEAs are available via phone, Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, or any communication tool that works best. Learn more on the GEI webpage. Email GEI@state.gov with questions and to contact the GEA for your post.

Photo: GEAs and FLO Staff at 2017 GEA Workshop

Unaccompanied Tours Support: Before, During, and After

FLO’s Unaccompanied Tours (UT) team supports employees, their families (including parents, grandparents, etc.) affected by a UT. Whether you are thinking about, going to, or currently on a UT, FLO has resources for you. Email FLOAskUT@state.gov with your questions.

Contact Information Form—FLO does not receive a list of employees and family members experiencing a UT. Request a contact form (FLOAskUT@state.gov) so that we can provide you with resources during your UT.

Decision Tree—Where will your family live during a UT? Use this guide to help you decide.

Counseling Resources—Information on Deployment Stress Management Program (DSMP), the Employee Consultation Service, USAID Staff Care, and more.

Children’s Workbooks—Age appropriate workbooks to help your children understand separation. 

Children’s Certificates and Medals of Appreciation— Recognize the sacrifice that your child(ren) makes while you are serving on a UT by nominating him/her for a certificate and medal.