Assisting children and families with military‐related disruptions: The United States Marine Corps school liaison program

Abstract

Military families face a number of unique challenges, including frequent relocations and school transitions, as well as extended separations from loved ones. The military, schools, and communities have been working together to build the capacity of children, youth, and families to successfully cope with the stressors they encounter. Most branches of the military have instituted liaison programs within schools and communities to help military school‐aged children make more seamless transitions from one school to another due to relocations. This study assessed the thoughts and perceptions of U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) school liaison professionals (SLs) regarding their work with a broad array of stakeholders, both on‐ and off‐base. Generally, SLs expressed positive sentiments regarding the USMC liaison program. They also reported that they were working hard at developing stronger connections to various constituencies in position to assist military families. Unfortunately, there was some indication that SLs may be at risk for burnout. Given the needs of military children, youth, and families, SLs appear to be filling an important function that could enhance military–school–community partnerships. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Human–Animal Interaction as a Context for Thriving and Coping in Military-Connected Youth: The Role of Pets During Deployment

“…Some schools have adopted successful ''school liaison programs'' (e.g., Aronson, Caldwell, & Perkins, 2011;Aronson & Perkins, 2013). Schools can serve as an asset for youth by creating effective channels for communication, understanding the attendance needs of military youth, training staff to be aware of the challenges and strengths of militaryconnected youth, identifying student strengths and skills, and encouraging students to become involved in the school culture (Rossen & Carter, 2011).…”

Understanding military families who have dependents with special health care and/or educational needs

“…Even though having a family member with special healthcare and/or educational needs may increase the risk for family adjustment problems, most families do not report significant psychosocial consequences 23 and most have found ways to cope 24 This study had several limitations that should be noted. It is not completely clear the proportion of EFMP dependents that were children or adults.…”

Impacto das missões internacionais nos jovens filhos de pais militares e a importância do apoio da comunidade escolar

“…Estas mudanças são geralmente experienciadas como difíceis para os estudantes porque requerem alguns ajustamentos, tais como deparar-se com maiores ou menores exigências na nova escola, mudar-se para uma escola com melhores ou piores recursos, e ter de se integrar num novo ambiente cultural e escolar. Além disso, as escolas podem não ter informação adequada no que diz respeito aos estudantes realocados, pelo que podem não providenciar o apoio necessário a estes jovens alunos (Aronson et al, 2011).…”