Caring for families is a top priority for the Military Health System. The MHS applauds the character and maturity of military children and provides resources and tools to assist military family wellness.
The month of April is designated as the Month of the Military Child across the Department of Defense, recognizing the important role military children play in the armed forces community. It is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices military children and youth have made and to acknowledge their character, courage and resilience.
In support of military children not only in April, but year-round, the DoD partners with outside organizations to address the needs of military families and children worldwide. Explore some of the initiatives and tools to learn more about the myriad of resources in support of military children.
One means of support for warriors and their families is the Joining Forces initiative which mobilizes all sectors of society to give servicemembers and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Led by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, Joining Forces strengthens connections between the American public and the military. A key issue is the wellness of warriors, their spouses and children. Joining Forces expands access to wellness programs and resources.
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Military Families Near and Far offers resources to help elementary school-aged children and families communicate during times of uncertainty. Provided in cooperation with the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), these resources include a free bilingual website, a free mobile app, a special edition of The Electric Company Magazine for military families and the Electric Company Extended Learning Program.
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The Family Resiliency Kit is available to military families, family readiness groups, assistance centers, chaplains and other groups that support military families throughout the deployment cycle. Available through Military Pathways, the kit offers materials designed to educate family members on how to cope with the stress of deployment, recognize signs and symptoms of mental health problems, build resiliency, reconnect with children and access behavioral health services provided by the DoD or Veterans Affairs (VA). The material can be ordered in packets or as a comprehensive kit.
Learn More About The Family Resiliency Kit »