DA Form 7667: Family Care Plan Preliminary Screening Guide

DA Form 7667: Family Care Plan Preliminary Screening Guide – U.S. Army soldiers with family responsibilities must balance military duties with caring for dependents. DA Form 7667, titled Family Care Plan Preliminary Screening, is a key document under AR 600-20, Army Command Policy. It helps ensure soldiers meet readiness requirements while protecting their families during deployments, TDY, alerts, or other absences.

What Is DA Form 7667?

DA Form 7667 serves as an initial screening and counseling tool in the Army’s Family Care Plan (FCP) process. It is not the full Family Care Plan (that’s DA Form 5305) but a preliminary step that documents counseling and screens for potential issues with guardianship designations, especially involving the other parent or court orders.

Key purposes:

  • Emphasize the soldier’s dual responsibilities to the Army and family.
  • Screen for risks related to designating a guardian other than the other biological/adoptive parent.
  • Provide important legal reminders about court orders taking precedence over the FCP.
  • Document the soldier’s understanding before proceeding to the full plan.

The form (July 2020 edition) includes a Privacy Act statement, Part I (Counseling), Part II (Screening Checklist), and Part III (Soldier Certification).

Who Needs to Complete DA Form 7667?

Commanders require a Family Care Plan (and thus the preliminary screening) for soldiers in these categories (per AR 600-20):

  • Pregnant soldiers (no spouse, divorced/separated/widowed, residing apart from spouse, or married to another service member) — counseling typically within 90 days of expected due date.
  • Single soldiers (no spouse or residing apart) with full or joint custody of children under 18 or adult family members incapable of self-care.
  • Divorced (not remarried) soldiers with extended visitation rights allowing sole care for more than 30 consecutive days.
  • Soldiers whose spouse is incapable of self-care.
  • Dual-military couples with children or dependent adults.

All married soldiers with family members are encouraged (though not always required) to maintain a plan for emergencies.

Failure to maintain a compliant FCP can lead to administrative actions, separation, or UCMJ consequences.

How DA Form 7667 Fits into the Full Family Care Plan Process?

  1. Counseling — Commander or designee counsels the soldier (often using DA Form 5304, Family Care Plan Counseling Checklist).
  2. Preliminary Screening (DA Form 7667) — Complete the checklist regarding the other parent, court orders, and consent.
  3. Full Plan (DA Form 5305) — Develop and submit the comprehensive plan within timelines (30 days for Active Army, 60 days for USAR/ARNG, with possible extension).
  4. Supporting Documents (typically attached to DA Form 5305):
    • DA Form 5841 (Power of Attorney)
    • DA Form 5840 (Certificate of Acceptance as Guardian/Escort)
    • DD Form 1172-2 (DEERS/ID Card applications)
    • DD Form 2558 (Allotment authorization) or financial proof
    • Letter of Instruction to guardian
    • DA Form 7666 (Parental Consent, if designating someone other than the other parent)

Plans must be updated annually or upon changes in family status, guardians, or duty station.

Key Sections of DA Form 7667 (Screening Checklist Highlights)

The checklist focuses on potential conflicts:

  • Is the other parent alive? If yes, does the plan designate them as guardian? (If yes → STOP)
  • Is there a court order or separation agreement? Does it provide alternate custody? Does your guardian designation comply?
  • Has the other parent consented (via DA Form 7666 if needed)?

Important Warning on the Form: The FCP is not a legal custody document. Court orders prevail. Inconsistencies can risk legal challenges or contempt of court. Consult a legal assistance attorney (JAG) for complex situations.

Download DA Form 7667

Official Fillable PDF: Download DA Form 7667 Here

Always use the latest version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil). Previous editions are obsolete.

Tips for Completing and Maintaining Your Family Care Plan

  • Select reliable, willing guardians who understand military life and can handle short- and long-term care.
  • Provide guardians with all necessary documents, access to benefits, and clear instructions.
  • Consider legal consultation for court orders, wills, or custody modifications.
  • Dual-military couples have specific filing rules (original with the least-likely-to-deploy commander).
  • OCONUS soldiers should plan for Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) escorts.
  • Update everything promptly after life changes (birth, divorce, move, new guardian).

Resources and Support

  • Your unit commander, S1, or Family Readiness Group.
  • Army Community Service (ACS) centers.
  • Legal Assistance Office (JAG) for advice on custody and powers of attorney.
  • AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy) – the governing regulation.

A well-prepared Family Care Plan supports mission readiness and gives peace of mind that your loved ones are cared for. Soldiers should treat this as a priority responsibility.