Child supervision guidelines help keep DAFB children safe

Published July 19, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
436th AW Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Team Dover families and caregivers are reminded that following established base guidelines will help keep Eagle Wing children safe through the summer months.

Dover Air Force Base Instruction 40-303, Child and Youth Supervision Guidelines, sets a structure for what is acceptable for a variety of circumstances in corresponding age groups.

"The ages specified are the maximum ages and are based on the child's ability to demonstrate age-appropriate behavior," said Mary Simon, 436th Medical Operation Squadron. "Children who do not consistently demonstrate age-appropriate behavior should not be given the same degree of self-management responsibilities."

These guidelines are mandated by the 436th Airlift Wing commander; therefore, parents are expected to fully comply, said 1st Lt. Ray Bouchard, 436th MOS family advocacy officer. Summer months are statistically more prone to child-related accidents because the children are out of school.

"We need to reduce the number of recent incidents concerning lack of appropriate child supervision," said Lieutenant Bouchard. "It is important for parents to review the guidelines and take appropriate actions to ensure their child's safety."

Being part of the Air Force team is supporting each other, taking notice and providing each other with friendly reminders of the service guidelines, added the lieutenant.

For further information please refer to DAFBI 40-303 or call the Family Advocacy Office at 677-2711.