Written by: Stacey L. Lewis, LCSW, Program Analyst, DoD Child and Youth Advocacy Program
Culture is community, and the military has its own distinct culture. Living in the military community can be difficult for some children, youth, and their families. For the MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) who work with those children, youth, and their families, it is important to be cognizant of the importance of DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging) frameworks (i.e., military, racial/ethnic, religious). These frameworks are important when demonstrating culturally competent and sensitive care in the context of sexual behavior in children and youth. Dr. Tyffani Monford Dent joined OneOp to present two webinars around DEIB practices and translating this work for engaging families and clients. Those sessions were, Navigating Intersectionality in the Treatment of Youth Problematic Sexual Behavior and Empowering Parents to Safeguard the Well-Being of Black Girls.
When an instance of PSB (problematic sexual behavior) occurs in the military culture, it can be overwhelming to the families affected, as well as within the military community which they live. Families ask themselves – What will happen to my child? What will happen to my soldier? What will happen to my family? It is important for the MDT to be transparent about disclosure rules within the military system and, if applicable, share how this information may inform the military options and career of the military personnel involved.
Culture Informs Behavior, Values, and Beliefs
Our military has a diverse population of people and families. Our job as professionals includes educating ourselves on the diverse array of client cultures and customs. It is essential that we do our research to learn about the different communities that we serve and the needs that they may have. Evidence-based methods to establish rapport with diverse clients, students, and families may include:
- Understanding cultural differences,
- Identifying how power dynamics affect people,
- Remaining up to date on practices and research linked to cultural counseling, and
- Educating ourselves on various cultures
When our MDT’s and service providers lack trauma-informed education on military families, this can impact communication, treatment, and recommended services going forward as we initiate engagement with parents and families affected by PSB. It is imperative that MDT’s acknowledge lived experiences that may impact client and family engagement in receiving and participating in services. MDTs must be trauma-informed. Providing trauma-informed care requires acknowledging DEIB within our military families. Each member of the MDT needs to understand how DEIB practices/frameworks inform the family’s values and beliefs.
Providing individualized treatment moves clients towards equity and truly provides children, youth, and families with what they need. We are all a part of this system. Let’s acknowledge it and aim for cultural humility and competency as we serve our military families.
References and Resources:
- Tyffani Monford Dent, Psy.D.,
- Navigating Intersectionality in the Treatment of Youth Problematic Sexual Behavior https://oneop.org/learn/160035/
- Empowering Parents to Safeguard the Well-Being of Black Girls https://oneop.org/learn/160036/
- Military Culture: A Guide for Extension Professionals https://oneop.org/learn/military-culture-a-guidefor-extension-professionals/
- Military OneSource – Military Family Experience https://www.militaryonesource.mil/search/?s=military+family+experience
OneOp supports the Military Family Readiness System by expanding the professional knowledge, readiness, and networks of all providers supporting military service members and their families. Join the Practicing Connection LinkedIn community to connect with other providers, practice networking and partnership-building skills, and grow your professional network.
Image Attribution: photo by Theo Decker from Pexels
