Military-Connected Adolescents in Civilian Schools: How Underserved Youth Find Support

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: The Intersections of Social Justice

Abstract

A majority of the nation’s military-connected dependents attend public schools, yet there are inconsistencies in programs supporting them (De Pedro, Astor, Gilreath, Benbenishty, & Esqueda, 2013). High mobility rates and deployment-related stress often present risk to children of military Service members: learning gaps, social and behavioral challenges. (Astor, Jacobson, & Benbenishty, 2012). This study employs a Bridging Multiple Worlds framework to investigate peers as a resource connecting civilian and military worlds. Surveys and focus groups investigate the role of social networks and intersectionalities of diversity in navigating their cultural worlds. This study seeks to inform educators in creating highly supportive environments for military-connected adolescents. This is a study in progress; data and preliminary results will be available by fall 2015.

Author

• Alison Michelle Black, University of California - San Diego