Many of our military students are dealing with the cyclical separation from one or more parents. The effects of deployment on children have shown an increased risk in psychosocial issues, including stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, and generalized emotional difficulties (James & Countryman, 2012). Children, as well as their remaining family members, experience a complex emotional cycle before, during, and after the deployment, and of course, this cycle can and most likely will carry over to the school setting.

Individual and group counseling can be effective methods of helping these students deal with the deployment of a loved one. Counseling groups can create positive in-school supports for students who are experiencing deployment at the same time. For this reason, Beverly Gardens has created a counseling group designed for students whose parents are deployed. The group aims to create a safe space to discuss feelings relating to deployment and personal experiences of being a military child.

Anchored 4 Life

The mission for the Anchored 4 Life program is to provide proven resources and strategies to children so they can become resilient, confident, and resourceful, to create a better world for themselves and others.

• Anchored 4 Life will develop leadership skills, enhance coping skills, build confidence, reinforce team building, and offer support.
   
• Character Development Quotes to instill positive messages.
   
• Activity Groups will teach strategies to enhance resiliency.
   
• Kits and Activity Packets will be provided by our MFLC to keep youth connected and have valuable resources to use during their transitions.
   
• Training and ongoing support will be provided to increase and improve transitions for school-age youth.
   

• A Service Project will be supported to strengthen community ties, increase self-confidence, understand competence, and gain self-efficacy.