To require that not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on mechanisms for expanding public-private partnerships with military and family organizations for the purpose of increasing access to family support, in particular, for the minor dependent children of deployed servicemembers.

Amendment No. 3207 to Amendment No. 3166

On page 1 of Amendment 3166, after line 7 insert the following:

“Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on mechanisms for expanding public-private partnerships with military and family organizations for the purpose of increasing access to family support, in particular, for the minor dependent children of deployed servicemembers.

“Such report shall identify: the adjustment needs of minor children of deployed service personnel, including children who have experienced multiple deployments of one or more parents or guardians; alternative support and recreational activities which have been shown to be effective in improving coping skills in young children of deployed servicemembers; support networks beyond educational settings that have been effective in addressing the needs of children of deployed servicemembers, to include summer and after-school recreational, sports and cultural activities; programs which can be accessed without charge to military families; gaps in services for minor dependent children of deployed personnel, and; opportunities for expanding public and private partnerships in support of such programs.

“Prior to submission of the report required by this section, the Secretary shall consult with military family advocacy organizations, and include the comments of such organizations within the required report to congressional defense committees.

“Plan Required:

“Not later than 60 days after submission of the report required by this section. the Secretary shall submit a plan to the congressional defense committees to address the needs and gaps in services identified in the report. Such a plan shall also address the comments and recommendations of military family advocacy organizations. as required by this section.”