UNDERSTANDING CONFIDENTIAL NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING

You never have to be without support. Military OneSource and Military and Family Life Counseling provide free, short-term, confidential non-medical counseling services for a wide range of issues from marital conflicts and stress management to coping with grief and deployment adjustments.

Confidential non-medical counseling is effective for finding answers to common emotional and interpersonal difficulties. This overview explains the kinds of issues addressed by confidential non-medical counseling and how you can access it.

ELIGIBILITY FOR NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING

Confidential non-medical counseling services are free and available to the following groups through Military OneSource and your installation's Military and Family Support Center ( installations.militaryonesource.mil):

• • Active-duty service members and their immediate family members
• • National Guard and reserve service members (regardless of activation status) and their immediate family members
• • Designated Department of Defense expeditionary civilians and their immediate family members
• • Survivors 

Review the full eligibility guidelines at militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-medical-counseling/military-onesource/military-onesource-confidential-help-eligibility

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

Children are eligible to receive confidential non-medical counseling services under the following circumstances: 

• Children ages 12 and younger may attend face-to-face sessions through Military OneSource with a parent or guardian, but not on their own.• Youth, ages 13 through 17, are eligible for individual, face-to-face counseling through Military OneSource, but a parent must attend the first session.• Children younger than age 18 are eligible for counseling with a child and youth behavioral military and family life counselor with parental consent.• All military and family life counseling with children occurs within line of sight of another adult.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The non-medical counseling services through Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program are confidential. The Military and Family Life Counseling Program is also anonymous. This means:

• • A family member can receive counseling without the service member's knowledge.
• • A service member can receive counseling without a family member's knowledge.
• Privacy protections ensure your personal information will not be:
• • Provided to the military or chain of command
• • Shared with family or friends
• • Released to other agencies Exceptions to privacy include:
• • Duty to warn
• • Suspected family maltreatment (domestic violence, child or elder abuse or neglect)
• • Harm to self or others
• • Illegal activity

ISSUES ADDRESSED IN NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES

• Confidential non-medical counseling addresses issues such as:
• • Adjustments (including deployments) • Marital problems
• • Stress management
• • Communication H U.S. MILITARY
• • Parenting skills
• • Decision-making
• • Grief and loss

Non-medical counseling services don't address certain issues. If you need help with any of the following issues, contact the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or visit veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx:

• • Active suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• • Sexual assault
• • Child abuse
• • Domestic violence
• • Alcohol and substance abuse
• • Mental health conditions such as depression
• Non-medical counseling isn't suitable for individuals:
• • Prescribed psychoactive medication
• • Receiving therapy with another practitioner
• • Involved in Family Advocacy Program cases
• • Undergoing fitness-for-duty evaluations
• • Undergoing court-ordered counseling

ACCESSING FREE COUNSELING SERVICES

Face-to-face confidential non-medical counseling ( militaryonesource.mil/con- fidential-help/non-medical-counseling/military-onesource/free-confidential-face-to-face-non-medicalcounseling)

may occur in an office setting with a counselor located in the local community or with military and family life counselors on an installation. Military OneSource offers counseling sessions in three other formats:

• • Telephone: 800-342-9647
• • Secure online chat: militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-med- ical-counseling/military-onesource/military-onesource-live-chat
• • Secure video militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-medical-coun- seling/military-onesource/10-things-you-should-know-about-confidential-videonon-medical-counseling 

Service members and their families can request counseling services at any time of the day or night, any day of the year, from anywhere in the world by calling Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. A consultant will assess your needs and give you a referral. You can also access Military OneSource counseling services online.

To speak with a military and family life counselor, contact one of the following:

• • Military and Family Support
• • Unit commander
• • National Guard and reserve family programs

Whether it's getting to the next level or juggling responsibilities, we all need help sometimes. Tap into your military network to get the support you need. Confidential non-medical counseling is available to help you manage the stressors of military and family life anytime, anywhere.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COUNSELOR OR THERAPIST

The military knows that everyone needs help at times and offers a variety of support options to service members and their families. In addition to the confidential, free non-medical counseling available through Military OneSource, there are other types of counseling and therapy available through other avenues. Understanding your options is the best way to make sure you choose the right counselor or therapist for your individual needs.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NON-MEDICAL AND MEDICAL COUNSELING?

During a counseling session, you'll work with a trained professional who will talk to you about issues you're concerned with and help you find ways to cope with them. Your sessions can be individual (between just you and your counselor), with another person (such as your spouse) or in a group (perhaps your whole family).

Non-medical counseling, like the free, confidential counseling provided through Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling program, addresses other issues like:

• • Relationship concerns at home or work
• • Managing stress
• • Adjusting to change or dealing with a transition
• • Marriage and family therapists are trained to deal with interpersonal relationships, including family and couple conflicts.
• • Mental health counselors help people cope with a particular concern or difficult life event. Some may specialize in a particular area, such as educational or religious counseling.
• • Parenting difficulties
• • Dealing with grief or loss
• • Returning from deployment

Medical counseling, which is not provided through either Military OneSource or the Military and Family Life Counseling program, specifically addresses medically diagnosable issues such as:

• • Drug and alcohol abuse
• • Mental illness
• • Post-traumatic stress disorder
• • Traumatic brain injuries
• • Child abuse or neglect
• • Domestic violence
• • Thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line ( veteranscrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx) at 800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.

CHOOSE WISELY: Everyone needs help at times, and understanding your options is the best way to make sure you choose the right counselor or therapist for your individual needs.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COUNSELORS?

• • Social workers are trained to understand how people are affected by their environment, including their family and culture. • Marriage and family therapists are trained to deal with interpersonal relationships, including family and couple conflicts. • Mental health counselors help people cope with a particular concern or difficult life event. Some may specialize in a particular area, such as educational or religious counseling. • Psychologists have a master's or doctorate degree and use different kinds of testing to help  identify and resolve problems. • Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors specially trained to assess, diagnose and treat a patient's mood disorder. They can hospitalize patients and prescribe medication. • Certified pastoral counselors are members of the clergy with specialized training in psychotherapy. All service members have access to pastoral counseling by trained, qualified military chaplains through their commands and installations. • Licensed professional counselors generally have a master's degree in counseling or in a related field and provide general mental health counseling services.

WILL MY COUNSELING SESSIONS BE CONFIDENTIAL?

• Yes, with a few exceptions.
• State laws or federal and military regulations may require your counselor to report specific instances, such as:
• • Domestic violence
• • Child abuse
• • Threats of self-harm or harm to others

HOW CAN I CHOOSE THE BEST COUNSELOR FOR ME?

Choosing a counselor is a personal decision specific to your individual needs and concerns. Military OneSource consultants, available at 800-342-9647, can help you figure out the best option for you. Regardless of which type of counselor or therapist best suits you, it is important that you find the help you need when you need it.

MILITARY ONESOURCE'S NEW MILPARENT SPECIALTY CONSULTATION

If you're getting ready to welcome a new baby or are currently parenting a young child, you may be ready to lean on your support system. Parenting is an adventure – but it's not one to be taken alone. New military parents need back-up from their family, friends, unit and the entire military community.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: We know that new parenting affects every corner of your life. We've got tools and solutions, from general parenting best-practices to more specific issues like discipline, single parenthood and potty training.

That's why Military OneSource has launched the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed with expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 in mind. It's free, individualized, confidential support for new and expecting military parents

The New MilParent specialty consultation is flexible. You can set up a series of video or phone sessions with experts whenever it is most convenient for you. The consultation provides service members and families access to support and resources on a wide variety of parenting topics.

SUPPORT FOR PARENTING CHALLENGES

We know that new parenting affects every corner of your life, and we can help. From general parenting best-practices to more specific issues like discipline, single parenthood and potty training, we've got tools and solutions.

Feel like you haven't slept in weeks? Talk to a New MilParent specialty consultant. Struggling to find child care when your leave comes to an end? Let us help with your search. Confused about developmental milestones? We can help cut through the information clutter.

Military OneSource can connect you with confidential help to get you the resources you need to tackle your parenting challenges. Get help with:

• • Developing a routine
• • Solving sleep issues for yourself or your child
• • Understanding developmental milestones
• • Finding child care
• • Managing difficult behaviors
• • Preparing for pre-school
• • Mastering potty training
• • Taking care of yourself so you can take care of baby
• • Connecting with your partner after baby arrives
• • Navigating single parenthood
• • Expanding your parent network
• • Discovering community resources

The specialty consultation also has lots of information specific to parenting in the military.

• • Find branch and base-specific military programs for children.
• • Connect with the military parenting community.
• • Get expert tips for parenting through deployment and preparing young children for separation.
• • Make the most of specialized information for dual active-duty new parents.

Consultants have working knowledge of the resources available to assist the unique situations of military families. So, no matter the MilParent challenge you are tackling, you can get help from a highly trained professional.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Eligible service members and spouses include expectant parents and parents of children up to age 5. Access is available to eligible participants for an unlimited number of sessions. Service members and military families are also eligible for Military OneSource services for a full year after separating from the military.

Call 800-342-9647 or start a live chat to schedule an appointment with a New MilParent consultant. OCONUS/International? Click here for calling options. •

FOR OUR MILITARY-CONNECTED CHILDREN: RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF A SMOOTHER TRANSITION TO THE NEW PCS

BY ANGELA SHAW

The military-connected child's life is often filled with adventures and excursions across the nation, or the globe, that are experienced as a result of being a member of a military-based family. An extremely mobile life may contribute greatly to the child's joyful journeys.

On the other hand, faced with a unique set of factors that come with the military-family-life package – which may include worry of deployment, frequent moves, and school transitions – the same child may also have to deal with some visible or invisible consequences of war. Military-connected children are often resilient, adaptable, and courageous individuals beyond their years. But they may also face many several hurdles along the way.

Due to frequent moves – a product of military assignments termed "permanent change of station" (PCS), which are essentially temporarily permanent until the next move – the average military child will attend six to nine different school systems in their lives, from kindergarten to the 12th grade, according to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Teachers and parents have learned through experience that common childhood stressors may include anything that requires the child to adjust or change. So, there is greater potential for the military-connected child to experience ongoing stress relating to situations such as those listed below:

• ✓Spending time away from familiar and trusted sources of comfort and support, such as family, friends, and familiar teachers.
• ✓Worrying about school or grades.
• ✓Worrying about parental health and well-being.
• ✓Family stress such as divorce, separation, or parental conflict. ✓New situations and changes, such as a new house, new neighborhood, new sibling, new school, new teacher, new parental job, etc.

The above-mentioned situations play out regularly in the life of the highly mobile, military-connected child. While these children may experience universal transitions in accordance with physical development, cognitive development, and social development that are comparable to peers of the same age, the uniqueness of the military life results in life changes at an intense trajectory than that of their civilian cousins. Honoring the tempo and developmental nuances of childhood is an essential support for our military-connected children. As guardians of our country, service men and women carry the dual responsibility of caring for their children and protecting our nation's population. As these military parents wind their way through the various stages of relocation, remembering that their children are children first is essential in supporting repeated transition experiences.

Further, although moving is the beginning of a wonderous family adventure, challenges when relocating with a child who has special needs requires extra preparation. Additional work on the front-end can provide a smoother transition for the child with special needs and his/her siblings. Once orders are received for a PCS, consider these three strategies to prepare a smoother relocation launch for your children so that you and your family can better focus on the upcoming experiences and exciting opportunities ahead:

1. Call a family meeting to discuss the move. 

Alert your children about the move, ASAP. Once orders are received, your kids will need time to prepare, adjust to the idea of moving, and say goodbye to their friends – sometimes even extended family, like grandparents and cousins in the area. Be mindful of the ebb and flow of development, which does have some predictable and universal patterns. Consider that each child will go through the predictable stages at their own unique rate of speed. Though a child may have gone through the transition with ease and grace three years ago, he or she may be at a different stage of development with this move.

Be sensitive to each child's particular needs relative to his or her age and developmental stages, prior to the family meeting. Consider scaffolds of support that address special needs. A child on the autism spectrum may require a social narrative to support understanding about the upcoming move or changes ahead, whereas his or her similar-age sibling may respond to a children's book about a family move. Reaching out to your child's current teacher, school librarian, or school counselor for recommended books or literature about family moves is a great access point for parents seeking resources. Also, consider that siblings depend upon one another. They look to each other as role models, and for stability. If one sibling is a middle or high- schooler, he or she may need to be alerted to the move ahead of the others, to provide them ample time for processing at the level that's needed before meeting with the family.

• ✓Before the family meeting, attempt to research the new area and discover some points of interest for each child, relative to what their specific interests are.
• ✓Together, build in family traditions and common practices when PCS-ing. Buy a souvenir from the region that you will use and reuse in daily routine in your new home, such as a welcome mat displaying the theme or name of your current retail establishment. Have each child pack an "Open First" box. Label it with the words "Open First" and the child's name. Have the child pack things that are important to them that they want to be sure to open first in their new home.
• ✓Plan to celebrate the favorite things in the area. Take a jaunt to a favored family restaurant or neighborhood park in the area. Invite friends and family over for a lasting memory for an ice cream social, special brunch, ping pong tournament, and so on. Peruse the pictures and videos taken of the current locale and previous PCS's that have been called home for a time. Enjoy gathering pictures, brochures, and simple souvenirs like a printed napkin from a favorite family spot, ticket stubs to a local movie or event, or a flyer or two from interesting places that were enjoyed at the current PCS. Memorialize the treasures within the pages of a family PCS scrapbook or slideshow.

2. listen yo your children. 

Answer the questions that you can and research those questions that cannot be as easily answered. Be approachable as your children respond with both their positive and negative reactions. Let them know that you hear their concerns and that you also respect those concerns. For teens, this may be even more essential. If feasible, consider a return visit to the neighborhood for a special event or provide an early fieldtrip experience for those that are upcoming and may be missed due to the move. Extend extra patience with your children and yourself, as the process unfolds.

• ✓Involving the children at their appropriate developmental level will help them to transition and to feel a part of the process. Employ the internet for virtual visits to new schools and parks, traverse the streets of the town and neighborhood streets, and research their special interests and history of their new hometown. Teens may be able to navigate online for new homes, fun activities, or touristy activities at the new locale, while younger children can gather 'round the screen to explore interests of their own with their parents, or with their older sibs.
• ✓Connect with relatives or friends already there. Military families often run into one another downstream, so it is a great idea to stay connected through social media, correspondence, video chats, and phone calls with those you meet on your PCS ventures.
• ✓Make one of your time-honored PCS traditions a gathering of the minds at regularly-scheduled family PCS meetings, where discussions and short presentations can be shared about newly-discovered information and treasures at the new PCS.

PRIME MOVERS: Although moving is the beginning of a wonderous family adventure, challenges when relocating with a child who has special needs requires extra preparation. Additional work on the front-end can provide a smoother transition for the child with special needs and his/her siblings.

3. reassure your child. 

Be mindful of your child's developmental levels to provide the crucial guidance required at a level that they will comprehend. Younger children will ease into the transition with clear and simple explanations while older children may require deeper knowledge about the upcoming where and when. Holding off on making other big changes at the brink of the move, such as moving a toddler from crib to youth bed, or refurnishing your teenager's bedroom, may be a good idea to limit the scope of changes in your child's life. The comfort found in routine and everyday objects may also scaffold the move for your littles and your older children.

• ✓Remember that everyone (including yourself and your spouse) transitions and adjusts to changes on their own timelines. In addition to considering your child's age and current stage, be mindful of their personality. Is your child an introvert or an extrovert? Does he or she tend toward pessimism or optimism? Are their interests and passions a natural part of the new location? ✓Taking care of the present is beneficial to future ventures. Provide extra focus on spending time as a family so everyone continues to feel connected to the family unit. Make favorite meals together. Plan to visit places at the current PCS that you have not gotten to yet. Talk about favorite things and places the family has been to, and the moments that made each of you laugh. By discussing challenges that were surmounted since the family had arrived at the current hometown, this helps remind your child that the present home was once new, and yet they made friends and found happiness. Chat about future ventures in store and help them to see that they will find friends and happiness again in their new home.

In addition to coping strategies before the departure, planning a smooth arrival at the new duty station goes a long way toward settling in and adjusting. Military installations can support parents with the technical realities of the move, to provide the military-connected child a smooth transition to their new home.

Military-focused websites provide a robust assortment of supports to assist with connecting to school liaisons at the new destination. They also provide opportunities to review initiatives and special programs created to support our military-connected children with special needs.

School Liaison Program 

(SLP) coordinates to assist military parents of school-aged children with the information to succeed in an academic environment. According to the U.S. Department of Defense School Activity (DODEA, 12/01/2019), the goals of this program are to:

• ✓Identify barriers to academic success and develop solutions.
• ✓Promote parental involvement and educate local communities and schools regarding the needs of military children.
• ✓Develop and coordinate partnerships in education.
• ✓Provide parents with the tools they need to overcome obstacles to education that stem from the military lifestyle.

SLP RESOURCES

Look for Liaison Directories that are available within each branch of the military. The DoDEA (12/01/2019) provides an overview of the SLP and a downloadable guide specific to each particular branch at dodea.edu/Partnership/schoolLiaisonOfficers.cfm

ARMY Each installation has an active School Liaison Officer program. The Army SLO serves active Army service members, National Guard/Army Reserve/Accessions Commands and geographically-dispersed families within a one-hour distance of their installation.

MARINE CORPS School Liaisons (SLs) support transitioning families in obtaining educational information and assistance from local school districts. The role of the USMC SL is noted to be very comprehensive and adapted to the needs of the community at each installation.

NAVY A K-12 support to military families through Child and Youth Education Services at all major Navy installations is being implemented for the families of service men and women.

AIR FORCE Each base has a point-of-contact (POC) for local military child education matters that advocates for the educational needs of military children, assists Airmen and families with information regarding local school districts, home-schooling, private schools, charter schools, and cyber schools.

COAST GUARD Family Resource Specialists (FRS) and/or Child Development Service Specialists (CDSS) are available at each Health, Safety & Work-Life — Regional Practice to assist Coast Guard service members and their families with school-related issues.

A robust system of additional military sponsored initiatives and programs are available in support of military-connected children and their families. For families that include a child with special needs, the supports exist, as they are important. Connections through the channel of the military installation can provide linkage to the systems available, to deal with unique situations faced by military-connected families.

Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) developed in 2006 to ease educational challenges that military children encounter and support uniform treatment as they transfer between public schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) supports navigation between public school education systems from kindergarten through 12th grade, in order to prepare and provide for an array of transitional situations met ( mic3.net ).

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can support a smoother transition for families who are relocating to a new PCS with a child who has special needs. Coordination with the EFMP provides an organized approach that leads to ensuring appropriate supports available within the new PCS. According to Military OneSource (11/13/2019), EFMP takes on the task of helping families navigate the medical and educational systems in order to ease peace of mind about a family member's care.

The EFMP Quick Reference Guide (9/2016), available within Military OneSource (11/13/2019), advises that registration with EFMP is mandatory within the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force – whether the dependent with special needs is a spouse or a child. In addition to coordinating critical aspects of assignment by EFMP in relation to guidance with specific aspects of the special education system, the military family is supported in navigating the military medical system through this program. A quick overview of coordination services provided by EFMP includes (Military One Source, 11/13/2019):

• ✓Identification and enrollment of family members with special medical or educational needs.
• ✓Discovery of services available at the present or future duty station.
• ✓Support with information, referrals, and non-clinical case management to access services.
• Three avenues of entrance are available for the military family's quality of life within the home-front that the EFMP will afford (Military One Source, 11/13/2019):
• ✓Communicate with local installation's Military and Family Support Center.
• ✓Obtain paperwork from the EFMP medical point of contact at the local military treatment facility.
• ✓Contact Military OneSource and ask for a referral to a special needs consultant.

Parents are a vital support to their child; their guidance during relocation can provide a smoother road during relocation. They need to arm themselves with knowledge of systems of support that are provided through military installations, along with vocabulary unique to the lives of military families. Guiding and supporting children during the relocation process, and organizing for the move, requires extensive coordination between home, school, and medical circumstances relative to the unique circumstances of each child.

For children with special needs who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), parents provide the expert knowledge and understanding of their child at the transfer meeting that IEP teams rely upon to remain solution-focused. Note that this may require outreach and support from military programs, and initiatives to counter the rigors of raising a family. Connection, therefore, is a critical factor in coordinating a smooth move for the military-connected child.

A COMPILATION OF WEB-BASED RESOURCES IN SUPPORT OF A SMOOTHER TRANSITION TO THE NEW PCS

The following guide provides a comprehensive list of supports to meet the highly- mobile needs of today's military family; resources with a focus on smoother transitions for the military-connected child. Summaries provided include civilian-based resources that focus on the transitional supports of the military-connected family, as well as military specific resources. Navigation of sites within the summaries below may provide a point of arrival, or may launch a journey toward unexpected discoveries.

AUTISM CARE TODAY (ACT) A national non-profit organization striving to provide necessary services so that each child with autism can reach his or her highest potential. Their mission is to raise awareness and provide financial assistance — to help defray out-of-pocket costs for families who cannot afford the autism treatments and other quality-of-life services their children require. ACT recognizes that military families impacted by autism face extraordinary challenges to include ongoing relocation and lengthy combat deployments. In honor of the heroic service and sacrifice in defense of our nation, ACT has launched The Autism Care Today for Military Families. In addition to resources, there is a blog to support military families who have children on the autism spectrum. act-today.org/our-funds/autism-care-today- for-military-families

AMERICAN MILITARY FAMILIES AUTISM SUPPORT (AMFAS) An award-winning Facebook page, founded in 2008, in support of military families, by military families. Connecting with the community is one essential step in providing smooth transitions. The mission of AMFAS is to provide news, information, community and support to military families that are dealing with autism spectrum disorder. facebook.com/militaryautism

THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA (ASYMCA)

A military non-profit designed to strengthen our military family providing programs and services to the service men and women of all five branches of the service: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The exclusive focus of ASYMCA are the military families, in support of a wide array of programs at a local level, tailored to their specific needs. facebook.com/militaryautism

ASYMCA work in coordination with the Department of Defense and installation commands, in order to identify gaps in programs and services with a focus in three areas:

• •Youth Development
• •Healthy Living
• •Social Responsibility
• Click the "What We Do" tab to discover programs provided through ASYMCA to meet the unique challenges of military life; 

• included are programs such as:
• • Operation Little Learns. An education program in support of parents as their child's first teacher, with a focus upon activities created to enhance cognitive, emotional, social, motor and other skills of children ages 2 to 5 years old. The classes provided for parents and children are coordinated to address the stressors of mobility that come with the life of a military family. The goal of the program is to enhance resiliency through connection and establishing a strong foundation for future social and academic success.
• • Operation Hero. A program geared to supporting military-connected kids, ages 6-12 years, in grades 2nd through 8th, get back on track in school and at home. The no-cost after-school program is accessed through referral by school personnel and/or the child's parents. The 10-week course provides guidance and navigation relative to management of feelings, friendships, and conflicts in a team atmosphere. The course is facilitated by a trained profession specializing in military youth, who helps guide children through the unique stressors associated with frequent moves, parental deployment, and trauma of war.
• • YMCA/DoD Military Outreach Initiative. Through partnership of ASYMCA and the Department of Defense (DoD), a nationwide program (offering gym memberships and respite child care services) is provided to promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Statistics reported relative to the scope and success of the initiative are included under the "What We Do" tab on the site:
• •Military family memberships provided to:
• ✓ more than 82,000 YMCA memberships
• ✓ more than 39,000 private fitness memberships
• •More than 157,000 military children have benefited
• •Facilities in support of this initiative:
• ✓ more than 1,700 YMCA's
• ✓ more than 2,300 private fitness facilities

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY (DODEA) Charged with providing high-quality education for military-connected children domestically and overseas. Explore this website that highlights their mission of educating, engaging and empowering military-connected students to succeed in a dynamic world. dodea.edu

The website provides access to resources and information relating to the basics of school enrollment, school calendars, immunization requirements, transportation, student meals, curriculum and graduation requirements–as well as a variety of other education-based services that may support the highly-mobile life of the military family, such the following:

• • Special education, which includes early intervention, education and related services, as well as DoDEA overseas-related services through development intervention services.
• • Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which addresses key educational transitions issues encountered by military families of enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation.
• • Communications, such as parent guides, press releases, and multimedia clips.

MILITARY INTERSTATE CHILDREN'S COMPACT COMMISSION (MIC3) Eases the educational challenges that military children encounter, and supports uniform treatment as they transfer between public schools in member states. Visit: mic3.net The Compact was developed in 2006 and has been adopted by all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. The website states, "Through the Interstate Compact, MIC3 addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families." The vision expressed is "Successful Educational Transitions." The values represented by the MIC3 website include:

• • Doing the right thing for children
• •Resolving issues fairly
• • Respect for all
• • Transparency in all we do
• • Commitment to make a difference

In addition to newsletters and articles highlighting the Compact, under the "News & Media" tab, parents can find information relating to their state, and a Guide for Parents and Schools, under the "Parent" tab. A flow chart to support contact with School Liaison Officers (SLO), MIC3 State Commissioner, and MIC3 National Office, is offered under the "Parent" tab. Under the "Resources" tab, State Statutes, Compact rules, including a section on special education services, useful links, and publications can be accessed.

MILITARYBYOWNER.COM (MBO) is a "go-to" site for military families in search of housing, as well as those who are selling or renting homes near military bases. The mission of MBO is to provide a comprehensive, low-cost means for military members and their families to advertise their homes for sale or rent, with service encompassing all locations nationwide where military members may be stationed (as well as Guam and Puerto Rico). militarybyowner.com

By clicking the "Resource" tab, MilitaryByOwner delivers a "wealth of information that will help you along your journey," such as:

• • Home buying
• • Home selling
• • Military Life
• • Renting
• • Property Management
• • Financing
• • Relocating/Moving
• • Decorating
• • Website Help

In addition to articles focused on the topics above, such features as a glossary of terms specific to the topic, e-books, and videos can be accessed through the "Resource" tab. Check out the Pre-PCS School Checklist within the Relocating/Moving topic. Discover an array of topics unique to military families through the informative and well-written blogs available on the MBO site. This includes tips to help your child transition to their new school and community, as well as family activities available within the PCS.

THE MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION Has the following mission: "To ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military and veteran-connected children affected by mobility, transition, and family separation." militarychild.org

Within this website, military-connected families can access an array of resources and topics relevant to the military family raising kids. There is a broad range of information available to students, parents, and professionals in education, specific to supports for military-connected children and their highly mobile lifestyle. This includes the following tabs and their content:

• • "Programs, Training. & Initiatives." Navigate and discover a wealth of resources such as, parent support webinars and workshops, student mentoring programs, and professional development opportunities for education professionals serving military-connected families. • "Resources." Explore a range of digital resources. Engage in media formats presenting topics of changing schools, information about the unique challenges of a highly mobile lifestyle, and transitioning together. Peruse E-News publications to learn solution-focused strategies in support of the mobile lives of the military-connected child.
• • "Shop." To provide quality educational opportunities, a link to the Military Child Education Coalition store is available for families, to shop online for a multitude of topics and products pertinent to the military-connected family.

NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION (NMFA) Shares in their mission statement that they are the "go-to" source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision-makers for people who want to understand the issues facing military families. NMFA reports that they have "boots on the ground" with families and understand better than anyone that "military families serve too." militaryfamily.org

In addition to a varying amount of military family specific topics, the tab "Info + Resources" provides a nice overview of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which serves the essential function of coordinating the assignment process — to ensure families that include children with special needs are connected to locations that provide access to adequate medical or educational resources. Additionally, a link of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children is available within this website. There is also a link to "Kids + Operation Purple" that provides an overview of programs available to military families and kids. Content includes:

• • Operation Purple Camp: A free week of summer camp where kids can connect with other kids like them.
• • Family Retreats: Opportunities to spend quality time reconnecting with family after deployment, separation, or during a time of transition.
• • Buddy camp: An opportunity to share one-on-one bonding and resiliency-strengthening camp for children ages 5-8 and their adult "buddy."

MILITARY ONESOURCE Shares that their mission is to connect families to their best MilLife. The Department of Defense's Military OneSource provides trusted information, answers, and support on every aspect of military life 24/7/365 — private non-medical counseling and a range of specialty consultations are available at no cost to active duty, National Guard, reserve members (regardless of activation status), their families, and survivors. MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647

Military One Source recognizes that moving is part of the adventure and provides practical guidance and support on the multifaceted topic of relocation. Particularly relevant to military families on the move is the category of "Moving and Housing", which includes topics and tool-kits to support families and their children before, during and after the move across the nation, and across the globe. Military OneSource provides a portal to service-specific news, resources and social media.

Military Spouse is a digital magazine. Their masthead states, "Simplify your crazy, wonderful military life." militaryspouse.com

• In addition to the free digital magazine Military Spouse, there is a bounty of information available for the military-connected family under tabs to include areas of:
• • Life
• • Employment
• • Education
• • Deals
• • Moving
• • Book Club
• • Money & More

CENTER FOR PARENT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES A broad-reaching support for families and professionals. Serving as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers, as well as the Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs), military families can discover a wealth of information, with a range of resources and information with nearly 100 PTIs and CPRCs in the U.S. and Territories. parentcenterhub.org

Direct services are available for children and youth with disabilities, as well as families, professionals, and other organizations that support them to include a range of activities such as: 

• • Working with families caring for children and youth with disabilities from birth to 26 years of age.
• • Helping parents to effectively participate in their child's education and development.
• • Partnering with professionals and policy makers to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities.
• Learn about their "Parent Support "websites, which includes links to:
• • Branch Military Parent Technical Assistant Center (MPTAC) — building the capacity of parent centers to provide effective services to military parents of children with disabilities in military families.
• • Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) — Funded through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education. Supports the Parent Center network and the role that Parent Centers play in educating parents and improving outcomes for children with disabilities.

TRICARE The official website of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), a component of the Military Health System. In addition to providing an overview of TRICARE plans, costs, and benefits, guidance about Special Needs is available under the "What's Covered" tab. There, you can download a fact sheet, Extended Care Health Options (ECHO), which provides services for active duty family members with special needs. Navigate the "Plans & Eligibility" tab to learn about which TRICARE plan fits you and your family's needs. tricare.mil

ZERO TO THREE Provides a wealth of information on a broad range of topics involving early development and well-being, and parenting. zerotothree.org

The website provides families and professionals access to an array of information through the specialized lens of the military family–to increase awareness and collaboration throughout the military community, and increase effectiveness in the care of very young children. This can be accessed through: zerotothree.org/our-work/military-family-projects.

BRIDGING THE GAP OF LONG-DISTANCE GRANDPARENTING

Being a grandparent can be pure joy beyond description. The love and connection felt between grandparent and grandchild is a special bond that can have the power to heal hurts and seal family connections. For grandparents who experience the PCS loop, the empty-nest sensation can be shortened. Connection can be cultivated by means of today's communication technologies. In addition to the array of family topics that can be found in this article's resources, discover the digital resources listed below which highlight family portals for this 21st Century's extended families. Through technology, connections with remote family members are made possible – helping build communication systems and direct links to the hearts of your child's Poppy and Nana.

AARP shares their mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. According to the fact sheet within the site, this organization is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to this empowerment. Visit: aarp.org

• AARP provides a range of information for those aged 50-plus, with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. The website provides helpful grandparent information as well as articles covering such topics as:
• ✓Surviving distance during the holidays.
• ✓Embracing changing attitudes and technology
• ✓Joys and challenges

GRAND is an upbeat lifestyle digital magazine platform geared for today's grandparents. Visit: grandmagazine.com

Plugging into the website will deliver a treasure trove of inspirational and solution-focused information that speaks to a balanced life filled with partnership, possibilities, and positive aging. GRAND Magazine provides ideas for fun and celebration, as well as pro-active solutions to challenges that the 21st century lifestyle may present to today's grandparents. Christine Crosby, editorial director of GRAND Magazine, shares easy/free access to GRAND. The portal offers features for grandparents who seek inspiration and wisdom; including some of the following content:

•  ✓Positive aging
• ✓Fun and healthy lifestyles
• ✓Connecting generations
• ✓Livable communities
• ✓All things GRANDparent - grandparent nicknames, grandchildren gifts, long-distance grandparenting, kinship care, grandparents' rights, etc.
• ✓Alienated grandparents ✓Children's health and development
• ✓Multi-generational travel and reunions
• ✓Family money
• ✓Fun and games to do with grandchildren
• ✓Food and family gatherings
• ✓Fashion
• ✓Inspiration

References:

• Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (Retrieved 12/3/2019 from mic3.net) About: Background.
• Military OneSource. (11/13/2019) Family & Relationships: Special Needs. The Exceptional Family Member Program: For Families with Special Needs. (Retrieved 12/1/ 2019) from military-onesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/the-exceptional-family- member-program-for-families-with-special-needs
• Military OneSource. (Retrieved 11/13/ 2019) Family & Relationships: Special Needs. The Exceptional Family Member Program: For Families with Special Needs. The EFMP Quick Reference Guide (Sept. 2016) Retrieved 12/1/2019 from militaryonesource.mil/family- relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/the-exceptional-family-member-program-forfamilies-with-special-needs
• U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) (Retrieved 12/1/2019 from dodea.edu). "About Educational Partnership." U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) (Retrieved 12/1/2019 from at dodea.edu/Partnership/schoolLiaisonOfficers.cfm ). "School Liaison Officers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Shaw is a special educator who synthesizes her diverse education and experience to collaborate with families and staff, encouraging students in her care to be life-long learners. Her publishing focus is on special education and family topics. Shaw's son-in-law is an active duty U.S. Coast Guard. Shaw and her husband spend much of their free time adventuring to various PCS locations and enjoying every single possible minute with their son-in-law, daughter, and baby grandson.