The military and veterans' agencies provide exceptional services, but often those most in need of answers to complicated questions lack the energy and perseverance to track down information in an often complicated bureaucracy. TAPS has experienced, empathetic caseworkers who act as liaisons, assisting the family members in finding solutions to problems. Working hand in hand with the appropriate federal, state and private agencies, they have been successful in helping find solutions to problems that arise long after the official file has been closed. The private sector has a well established network of services for those facing a tragedy, and as a member of the International Association of Trauma Counselors and the Association of Death Education and Counseling, TAPS is a part of this network of America's best resources for grief support groups and trained counselors. Grief support groups exist all over America, and TAPS helps put survivors in touch with options for support in their area, or with national organizations such as the Center for Loss.
Financial planning is another area that has been difficult for survivors.
While TAPS does not provide specific financial advice, articles published in the newsletter highlight common problems and offer safe solutions. TAPS also works closely with organizations such as Army and Air Force and Navy Mutual Aid to provide specific case assistance and offer secure options for survivors. We are finding that while we share a bond based in the armed forces, we also share a common bond with commercial aviation survivors who have lost someone precious through a sudden, violent, tragic way in an aircraft, often an even that has been played out in the media in a very public way. To assist military families in their healing, we offer a safe environment and peer support network to allow those who have experienced and healed from the traumas of a loss to help the newly grieving. We are part of a national network of grief counselors and mental health professionals and can offer local resources wherever the survivor may live or relocate after the loss.