ANCHOR for Military Families Act

Enhanced Educational Support: The bill expands information to include education systems, school enrollment procedures, and State-specific provisions under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Section 2(a)(1)(A)). It also adds resources for dependent children regarding school transition, academic continuity, and special education services (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).

Support for Children with Disabilities: The act adds a requirement for providing educational planning and support services for dependent children with disabilities, specifically including procedures for transferring individualized education programs and coordination with the Exceptional Family Member Program (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).

Comprehensive Relocation Information: The Secretary of Defense is required to ensure families receive information on several key areas, including financial planning, spouse employment support, community integration, housing assistance (on-base and off-base), mental health services, and legal or financial counseling (Section 2(a)(2)(3)(A-F)).

Timely Communication: The bill mandates that this information be provided to the service member and their family no later than 45 days before the change of permanent station takes effect (Section 2(a)(2)(2)).

Increased Accessibility and Awareness: The Secretary is tasked with creating a communication strategy that includes digital outreach, printed materials, and accessible briefings at military installations to increase awareness of available assistance (Section 2(a)(2)(4)(A-C)).