Resources and Support for Military Pediatricians via DoD’s Military OneSource

All families go through stressful times. But the emotional strain of an upcoming move or a baby who won’t sleep through the night can be more challenging for military families. As a pediatrician, you are in a unique position to learn about the issues that can affect the health and well-being of the children you care for. Connecting families with Military OneSource is an efficient and effective way to get them the help they need when they need it.

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that supports service members and their families with non-medical counseling, consulting services and a range of tools and resources to help them manage life’s challenges.

All services are free and available 24/7 to active duty, National Guard and reserve service members, Coast Guard members who are activated with the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority, and their immediate families. Military OneSource is also available to survivors and DoD expeditionary civilians, as well as veterans and their families up to one year after separation or retirement.

Non-medical counseling through Military OneSource can help parents and youth with a range of issues, such as stress or anger management, adjustment difficulties, relationship troubles and coping with grief and loss. Military OneSource cannot address emergency or crisis situations, including suspected child abuse and neglect or domestic abuse. Non-medical counseling is available in person, by phone, secure online chat or secure video sessions. Military OneSource also provides targeted support in the following areas:

Parenting and Child Care

Expectant and new parents of children up to age 5 can get individualized, confidential support through Military OneSource’s New MilParent specialty consultations. Sessions are available through video or phone on a wide variety of parenting topics, such as managing sleep issues, single parenting and addressing difficult behaviors.

The New Parent Support Program through the Family Advocacy Program provides home visits for new and expectant parents. While it is a voluntary program available to all new and expecting military parents, priority is given to parents who are at risk for domestic abuse and child abuse and neglect and referrals from pediatricians are key to ensuring families who could benefit most from home visits are notified about the program. Parenting classes and supervised playgroups are offered at some installations.

Finding child care can be difficult for military families with unconventional schedules, which is why the Department of Defense now offers expanded hourly child care options. Free access to a national database of caregivers makes it simpler for military families to find quality hourly, flexible and on-demand child care.

Teenagers struggling with healthy eating, physical fitness or stress may benefit from Health and Wellness coaching for teens. With the support of a coach, the teen will set and work toward goals, celebrate successes and learn lifelong healthy habits. Health and Wellness coaching is available for adults as well.

Education and entertainment options

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Digital Library offers free, online education and entertainment resources. Families will find e-books and audiobooks on virtually any topic. Service members and their families can learn new skills and get homework help using databases and reference books.

Financial concerns

Military OneSource financial consultants are trained professionals who understand military pay, benefits and financial issues common to service members and their families. They can help with budgeting, debt reduction, taxes and more.

Spouse employment

Frequent moves can delay military spouses’ education and interrupt their career progress. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program offers personalized support to help spouses overcome these obstacles. This includes free career coaching, resume review, access to scholarships for spouses and much more.

Elder care

Living in an intergenerational home or caring for an older family member can be overwhelming, particularly while balancing military life. A Military OneSource elder care specialty consultation can ease the strain by providing valuable information on resources and services.

Military families can learn more about these and other free services, resources and tools by calling Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or visiting www.MilitaryOneSource.com.

About Military Community and Family Policy

Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our guardians of country, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These Department of Defense services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.