The DOD currently sponsors the following youth program initiatives. A Secretary of Defense Quality of Life initiative for FY 1995 funded over 20,000 new SAC spaces within the Services. These programs provide a viable alternative to school-age children being home alone. A DOD Instruction for the SAC Program was published in December of 1996. The 1996 Defense Authorization Act reaffirmed the need for Youth Sponsorship Programs at all installations to assist preteens and teenagers in adjusting to a new community.
Research indicates the stress of relocation has a greater effect on older youth.
From January to May of 1999, MTOM has averaged over 26,000 successful hits per month. The DOD developed training materials for Youth Program Managers, staff, and volunteers. The training materials address identifying, reporting, and preventing child abuse in youth program settings. Materials were published and distributed in 1999. Each club is operated by professional staff in a fully equipped facility.