The Foreign Service Journal, May 2007

sonal safety lessons, for their loved ones. Age-appropri- ate information for children was an issue for several par- ents. The majority in all categories indicated their inter- est in a course on “Re-integrating Your Family” and in participating in an out-briefing, such as that conducted jointly by FSI and MED. However, the vast majority could not or did not attend due to conflicts with the schedule, the fact that they were not located in D.C., or because such opportunities were not offered to family members. Keeping in mind that one-fifth of all employee- respondents were not affiliated with the State Depart- ment, it is still disconcerting that approximately three- quarters of all respondents were unaware of the person- al contingency planning offered by the Office of Casualty Assistance or the services offered through IQ:InfoQuest (please see the box on p. 32 for contact information). In addition, nearly as many were unaware of the free counseling offered by licensed clinical social workers through MED’s Employee Consultation Services. A Clear and Present Need While the survey showed that employees are, on the whole, more positive than negative about the services and compensations provided to them and their families, family members are less satisfied. In response to the survey results, FLO requested and recently received another Cox Foundation grant to devel- op (in partnership with the Transition Center, Office of Casualty Assistance, MED and others) a program of pre- departure briefings for family members. A series of short DVDs is being produced to make this information avail- able to those who cannot attend. Furthermore, the pro- gram specialist for unaccompanied tours will be traveling to several locations in the United States this year to meet with families. There is a clear need to provide more education about existing services (most of which were not in place when many respondents experienced their period of separa- tion) and to dispel myths, as well as to reach out to employees and their families — especially those outside the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. F O C U S 34 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A Y 2 0 0 7 The Janne t t e Embassy P l an Overseas Insurance for Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Each policy is backed by the expertise and dedicated support of our customer service team. To learn more about the specific coverages offered by the plan, please visit our website at www.jannetteintl.com. The Janne t t e Embassy P l an Administered by Clements International One Thomas Circle NW, 8th Floor, Washington D.C. 20005 (800) 256-5141 (202) 478-6595 Fax (202) 466.9069 jannetteplan@clements.com www.jannetteintl.com Your Reliable Choice Since 1969, the Jannette Embassy Plan has provided dependable coverage to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel throughout the world. Our plan provides U.S. and Canadian personnel working at embassies and consulates insurance protection for their personal property, including automobiles and household effects. WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short-term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an Jannette Embassy Plan FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact post for compliance with local laws, excess liability limits over local liability coverage PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods, transit, valuables, personal liability and life insurance EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Including directors and officers