UPDATED/VERIFIED AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 2025
OPNAVINST 1740.4E is the current version of the instruction. 


REQUIREMENTS

Service members must be ready to deploy throughout the world, on short notice, and be able to fully execute their military duties. Family Care Plans (FCP) are mission planning tools to establish and document written plans to care for minor children or dependent adults while the Sailor is absent.  They are required for the following conditions:

• Sailor with primary or shared physical custody of a minor child and who is not married to the other natural or adoptive parent of the child.

• Both members of a married dual military couple where one or both have primary or shared physical custody of a minor child.

• Sailors who are legally responsible for an adult family member who is incapable of providing for themselves in the absence of the Sailor.

• Certain family circumstances or other personal status changes resulting in a Sailor becoming legally and primarily responsible for the care of another person.
   

  The above conditions apply to any Sailor who has a dependent in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), even if that dependent does not live with them or the Sailor does not have custody of them.

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  FAMILY CARE PLAN DOCUMENTS

Sailors are required to update their FCPs using the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS).  Formal documentation of a Service member’s family care plan (FCP) is required, using NAVPERS 1740/6 Navy Family Care Plan Certificate and NAVPERS 1740/7 Family Care Plan Arrangements.  Both forms provide comprehensive guidance to assist Sailors prepare to care for dependents in their absence.  Family care plans:

• Must be reviewed annually.

• Must submit new or updated FCP upon reporting to new duty station or a change in caregiver, personal, or family circumstances (e.g., birth or adoption of a child, assumption of sole care for an elderly or disabled family member, etc.).Must address other kinds of absences (e.g., normal or extended working hours, watches, weekend duty).

• Must address other kinds of absences (e.g., normal or extended working hours, watches, weekend duty).

• Caregiver signatures are no longer required on Family Care Certificate and Annual Certifications (NAVPERS 1740/6).

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