The goal of this team is to establish and implement a Child, Youth and School Services Program that addresses the Army Reserve's child care, youth development, and school transition needs through community-based programs. This means they will bring AR Soldiers and Families up-to-date information on services available to them in their own communities, create activities relevant to today's AR youth, educate the community about the AR youth's unique needs, and establish avenues of support to meet them. There are several programs already in place, including free summer camps, free leadership activities, reduced child care rates, and more!  Locate your Army Reserve CYSS Regional Coordinator and Find Out What Events are going on in your area.

youth ages 12 and up.  It is the 411 on topics from feelings to finances; information to help them prepare for when their Soldier has to leave.  

Deployment is a challenging time for each member of a Family. Separation from a parent can be one of the more stressful events hildren could experience in their lives. Surrounding children with informed, trustworthy adults can help them cope more effectively.

Military children living in civilian communities are geographically dispersed from other military Families and may not be able to access services on an Active Duty Installation. These children and Families are relying on the people in their community to support them during trying times ...This person may be you!

Download QRG

Parents, Educators and other caring adults who are actively involved in the life of a military child have the unique opportunity to provide support and encouragement to these children who are experiencing changes brought about by military life. Learn more about the impact of deployment on children and their Families, request professional assistance from a CYSS Regional Coordinator, download lesson plan activities to use at home, in the classroom, at an after-school program, with your 4-H club, however you see fit!  Visit the Student Support Center for Parents and Teachers for more information.

Children's responses to a parent's deployment are individualized and age related. Sudden negative changes in a a child's behavior or mood are common and predictable responses to the stress of having a parent deploy. Children often revert to behaviors that are typical of an earlier age. For example, a child who has been independent may suddenly become clingy, or a child who has been potty trained may revert to bed wetting. Remedies and coping strategies may have to be adjusted based on each child. Know your child(ren); the coping tips/remedies may not be foolproof in resolving the problem.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington State has developed a new series of teaching and learning resources.  Educators and other helping professionals are dealing with challenging topics among the children they are serving. This Tough Topics series provides detailed information on the Impact of Deployment, Stress, and Grief on a child's development while also providing recommendations to serve these children more effectively.  View the Tough Topics for Teachers Series.

This compilation of resources is to is provided to teachers and youth professionals so they can better understand their childrens' experiences and serve as a supportive person.  Many of these resources are documents that can be downloaded or printed from the featured articles page. 

• Military Family Separations
• Working With Children Through Grief, Trauma And Loss
• Children And Stress
• Current Research Artilcles
• Talking With Children About War
• When The Soldier Comes Home
• More Resources And Links