Warrior 101: Address the Unique Needs of CWS Families with a Military Parent Returning from Deployment

Level: Advanced Practice

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Line workers, Supervisors, Managers

Description of Course: This day long training will focus on the unique issues and challenges faced by military families who have experienced a deployment(s) and involvement in the CWS system. Participants will learn about military culture as it applies to family life and mental health issues. An overview of PTSD will be provided with an emphasis on combat trauma as well as a review of evidence based treatment modalities for same. Strategies for reintegration of the military parent back into the family system and renegotiating roles will be provided as well as safety planning. Benefits and resources available for military members and their families will be discussed. Copies of articles and materials will be distributed and participants will be involved in small group discussions and activities to improve learning of key concepts. A power point presentation and video material will be used to illustrate key points.

Intended Objectives:

• Review of the DSM IV-TR diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Differentiate between Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Recognize elements of risk factors, protective factors and safety planning in the military family and environment.
• Examine evidence based practice modalities commonly used to treat PTSD in combat.
• List evidence based practice modalities commonly used to treat PTSD in combat.
• Review aspects of military culture as it applies to mental health and family life.
• Recognize the impact of deployment on all family members and the issue of reintegration at the end of deployment.
• Identify unique challenges/risk factors for children living with a parent with combat related PTSD.
• Identify local, national and virtual services and resources available to active duty military families and to veterans.

Topics Include:

• Unique issues and challenges faced by military families who have experienced a deployment(s) and involvement in the CWS system.
• Discussion of military culture as it applies to family life and mental health and substance use/abuse issues
• An overview of PTSD with an emphasis on combat trauma as well as a review of evidence based treatment modalities for same.
• Strategies for reintegration of the military parent back into the family system and renegotiating roles will be provided as well as safety planning.
• Discussion of commonalities and differences of Active Duty and Veterans
• Benefits and resources available for military members and their families will be discussed
• Local, national and virtual services and resources available to active military, reserve members and veterans will be shared as well as information on how to access and refer clients to these services.