Enduring Hope and Support: Helping Family Court Professionals Incorporate Programs to Build Resilient Families

Abstract

Military family life can present many challenges for not only the adults, but also the children. The difficulties presented by lengthy separations, frequent relocations, and potential injury to a military family member create unique family issues that require special consideration and attention by those who serve military families. This article provides a general description of military family life, discusses resources available to help military families and their children, and utilizes findings from Education of the Military Child in the 21st Century to further discussion of topics such as deployment, children with special needs, and school assessment practices and graduation requirements. Key Points for the Family Court CommunityThere are over two million children of servicemembers in the Active Duty, National Guard and Reserves. Military-connected children move six to nine times during their K–12 education. The difficulties presented by lengthy separations, frequent relocations, and potential injury to a military family member create unique family issues that require special consideration and attention by those who serve military families. This article discusses topics such as deployment, children with special needs, and school assessment practices and graduation requirements. It also provides resources available to help military families and their children with each of these topics.