The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has created a Facts for Families “Coming Home: Adjustments for Military Families,” in response to the emotional needs of returning members of the military. Available free of charge on AACAP's website in English and Spanish, AACAP developed the fact sheet in response to the unique challenges that many military families experience after a long deployment. The fact sheet is a companion piece to AACAP’s Facts for Families “Families in the Military.”
For immediate release:
August 31, 2005
Contact:
Jim Wood, Director Development and Communications
202.966.7300, ext. 120, jwood@aacap.org
Erin Baker, Communications Specialist
202.966.7300, ext. 119, ebaker@aacap.org
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has created a Facts for Families “Coming Home: Adjustments for Military Families,” in response to the emotional needs of returning members of the military. Available free of charge via http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/89.htm in English and Spanish, AACAP developed the fact sheet in response to the unique challenges that many military families experience after a long deployment. The fact sheet is a companion piece to AACAP’s Facts for Families “Families in the Military.”
Military personnel, especially those who have served in combat zones like Iraq may have experienced trauma and stress that can make acclimating to life at home difficult. Often partners or spouses who stay at home take on new roles. Conflict and confusion may arise over where the returning family member now fits in, and what his or her responsibilities should be.
Children may react unexpectedly to the end of a parent or sibling’s deployment. Teenagers may be intent on continuing to spend a great deal of their free time with friends, or on school activities, which can cause the returning family member disappointment. Younger children may act shy around the returning family member because they may not remember him or her, and still other children may have been born since the family member’s deployment.
The AACAP created Facts for Families: #89 “Coming Home: Adjustments for Military Families” and #88 “Military Families” as a starting point for families to foster dialog. While most problems resolve themselves with time, families may, at some point, find that they need the help of a qualified mental health professional. For more information on what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help, families should reference AACAP’s Facts for Families series. Facts for Families are not a substitute for counseling or mental health care.
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
