Family Assistance Program
Standing with HCSO families in times of crisis
The Family Assistance Program is a practical support resource within the Personnel Support Division that walks alongside HCSO employees and families during some of life's hardest moments.
The HCSO Family Assistance Program is designed to assist employees (sworn and civilian), retirees, and their families in the event of death, serious illness, or other catastrophic event. The program provides coordinated, compassionate support so families do not have to navigate complex logistics and benefits alone during times of grief or crisis.
Family Assistance personnel are selected by the Sheriff or designee and have the authority to work across the agency, regardless of rank or assignment, to accomplish their mission. They operate in close collaboration with other support units to make sure employees and families receive timely, accurate, and caring assistance.
What we do
The Family Assistance Program helps HCSO employees and families by:
- Assisting families with funeral and memorial arrangements
- Coordinating funerals and related services in partnership with Honor Guard and chaplains
- Providing support at funerals and memorials for employees and eligible family members
- Arranging counseling and coordinating with other resources when needed
- Helping with insurance, disability, and financial aid paperwork for injured employees or survivors of deceased employees
- Providing support to employees involved in officer‑involved shootings or other critical incidents that result in serious injury or death
- Assisting when fire, collisions, or other disasters displace an employee or their immediate family
The program also coordinates motorcycle escorts for funerals of active employees, honorably retired employees, and certain immediate family members, at no cost to the employee. These services help ensure that employees and their loved ones are honored with dignity and supported with care.
When we help
The Family Assistance Program is typically activated when:
- An employee or an immediate family member dies
- An employee or family member experiences serious illness or catastrophic injury
- A critical event or disaster significantly impacts an employee's household
- Supervisors or coworkers recognize that a family needs coordinated support and guidance on benefits
Supervisors are asked to notify the Family Assistance Program as soon as possible when a qualifying event occurs, so assistance and information can be provided quickly. Early contact allows the unit to coordinate resources, answer benefit questions, and support both the affected family and coworkers.
How does this help the community?
By caring for employees and families in times of loss, serious illness, or crisis, the Family Assistance Program helps sustain the Sheriff's Office's strength and stability. Supporting HCSO families allows employees to focus on their recovery and their work, ultimately strengthening the agency's ability to serve the people of Harris County with professionalism and compassion.