Creating Support in a Changing World Military-Connected Youth:

Increase awareness of issues facing military-connected youth Increase knowledge of available resources Identify programs for supporting military- connected youth and families Develop action plans for future success Objectives

The Iowa National Guard Youth and Teen Program exists to promote and sustain the quality of life and resiliency of National Guard Families by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs to National Guard youth and teens. Mission Statement

As of 1 AUG 2011 Iowa has: –9,400 National Guard Service Members 7,400 Army National Guard/2,000 Air National Guard –10,655 Military Dependents Since 2001, Iowa has: –Deployed more than 13,000 Service Members –Deployed more than 6,000 for state mission Iowa By the Numbers

The Military Community includes: –Sons/Daughters –Nieces/Nephews –Cousins –Siblings –Students –Neighbors –Friends Who Are Your Military Kids?

A ‘Team Approach’ is what’s needed… Network of Support Military Child Family Educators & Counselors Friends Religious Community Military

Military 101 ARMYAIR FORCENAVYCOAST GUARDMARINES ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AIR NATIONAL GUARD ARMY RESERVES AIR RESERVES NAVY RESERVES COAST GUARD RESERVES MARINE RESERVES

Deployment Cycle 1.Pre-Deployment 2.Deployment 3.Sustainment 4.Reunion 5.Reintegration On-going cycle of preparedness

Challenges of Deployment Decreased communication Time for family to be together Maintaining day-to-day schedules Emotional changes Persistent fear and worry about loved one Academic performance Peer relationships/peer pressures Health issues Media

Challenges of Reintegration Lasting effects of combat zone Emotional distance Everyone grows and changes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTDS)/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Academic impact Changes in location and finances Peer relationships Health issues Changes in responsibilities and family roles

Reality of Deployment Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): US Army Office of the Surgeon General estimates as many as 67% of Soldiers return with PTSD Of the 3,000 IANG Soldiers returning from Afghanistan, 10-15% diagnosed with PTSD Injuries: Since 2010, approx 2,500 Soldiers injured in combat Killed in Action: Since 9/11, 22 IA Service Members killed

Support for Families Family Assistance Specialists (FAS): Provide information, assistance and resources to military families Work closely with Commanders throughout deployment Elevate issues to the state-level Educate/train community on military awareness Support Family Readiness Groups (FRG) Currently 5 locations across state Proposed 8 locations in 2012

Support for Families Youth and Teen Program (YTP): Provide information, resource and referral support for youth Train educators/community partners on impact of deployment on youth Conduct youth-focused events throughout Iowa Recruit and maintain active volunteer team Elevate issues facing youth to national level Track trends across Iowa Support Command events and trainings Increase awareness of challenges facing military youth/families

Support for Families Military and Family Life Consultants (MFLC): Provide up to 12 free, confidential counseling sessions Provide training support for deployment-related events Increase community awareness and support from mental health field Provide support at community level for military family members Provide resource and referrals for continuing mental health services Participate in mental health screenings prior to/following deployment

Support for Families Survivor Outreach Services (SOS): Provide on-going support to Families of the Fallen Ensure death benefits are received Conduct events for families with specific training Increase awareness of resources for wounded warriors and Families of the Fallen

Support for Families Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP): Provide family/Service Member training 30 days prior to deployment 30 days prior to return 30 days following return Coordinate support services/presenters at local and state levels Work with Commanders to ensure specific training needs are met

Support for Families Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA): Work with commanders on identifying needs of families Provide required yearly briefings to units and families Train Family Readiness Groups on new policies and procedures Work with volunteers to ensure proper training is conducted

Support for Families Strong Bonds (Chaplain) Programs: Marriage Enrichment Retreats for marriage relationship building Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Relationship building through humor Single Soldier Programs Programs for single Soldiers 7 Habits Family Retreat Weekends Relationship-building events for families

National Resources Military OneSource (MOS): 24/7 support for families and community providers or Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC): Provide educator/community awareness training and resources Our Military Kids (OMK): Provide up to $500 scholarships for dependents of deployed Operation: Military Kids (OMK): Training and resource support for military families

National Resources Joint Services Support (JSS): National Guard Bureau’s (NGB) online resource portal National Military Family Association (NMFA): National online resource for families in all Service Branches Military K-12 Partners: Education support services for Dept of Defense Schools “Students at the Center” resource available

How You Can Help Be understanding Recognize challenges facing military families Establish open, honest communication Encourage patriotism and citizenship Incorporate military-themed literature into interactions Serve as a resource and advocate for military youth Monitor media Help children identify personal strengths

Action Planning Every effort made can have a positive impact on the life of a child… Just make it SMART! Specific – Be precise about what you want to achieve Measureable – Include milestones for achieving success Achievable – Be reasonable and realistic Relevant – Make it purposeful and meaningful Trackable – Record progress regularly

Action Planning What do you hope to achieve?

Thank you!!! What questions are there at this time?

Increase awareness of issues facing military-connected youth Increase knowledge of available resources Identify programs for supporting military- connected youth and families Develop action plans for future success Objectives (review)

THANK YOU! Jeremy Van Wyk State Youth Coordinator, IANG Office: Cell: