FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Now in its third year, the Child and Youth Behavioral Program is making positive strides within Fort Jackson's youth services offerings.
The Child and Youth Behavioral Program, an initiative of the DoD and its Military and Family Life Consultant Program, supports military children with confidential counseling and outreach services.
At no cost, its staff helps military youth positively deal with issues of school adjustment, deployment and separation, fear, grief, loss and other stressors.
"It's one of those things that you didn't realize how much you needed it," said Beverly Metcalfe, Fort Jackson's Child, Youth and School Services partnerships specialist. "They (the program's consultants) have been helpful with summer enrichment programs ... and pre-school and teen programs."
Although Metcalfe was not able to disclose the number of children and families who have used the program, she said it is one that has been a "boon" to the livelihood of military children.
The Child and Youth Behavioral Program consists of two rotating consultants of MHN Government Services - a behavioral health and wellness contractor to the government - who assist the staffs of various youth programs on post. The consultants provide the staffs and the children with techniques to manage behavior and positively deal with stress.
The Child and Youth Behavioral Program consultants could not be interviewed for this article because they are not allowed to talk to the media for privacy reasons and contractual restrictions, Military and Life Consultant staff said.
James Andrews, director of Fort Jackson's Middle School and Teen Program, agreed with Metcalfe that the behavioral program and its consultants have become welcome additions to the installation's youth services.
This summer, Child and Youth Behavioral program consultants participated in at least three sessions at the post's teen program offices, Andrews said.
Andrews said the consultants' extensive educational and professional backgrounds - coupled with their ability to connect with the teenagers - added depth to discussions about at-risk behavior, including drugs and alcohol and premarital sex.
"The kids looked forward (to the sessions). I think sometime the kids would share information with them that they did not with us," Andrews said.
To learn more about the Child and Youth Behavioral Program and the Military and Family Life Consultant Program, call 337-6983.
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