Programs for Military Families

 
There are many programs for military families, but more services are necessary to truly meet the needs of military personnel, veterans, or their families. As you have learned about military culture and the needs of military personnel and their families, you may have gained insight into the types of programs that could support them. This week, you apply what you have learned about the needs of military families to your profession by designing a program relevant to those needs.
There are many programs for military families, but more services are necessary to truly meet the needs of military personnel, veterans, or their families. As you have learned about military culture and the needs of military personnel and their families, you may have gained insight into the types of programs that could support them. This week, you apply what you have learned about the needs of military families to your profession by designing a program relevant to those needs.

 
Submit a 4- to 5-page paper in which you design a resource program to support the needs of military families, including the needs of the identified clients in the case study you chose. Be sure to include the following in relation to your design:

Provide a brief background of the case study 
Describe any issues presented in the case study, including common challenges and stressors associated with PTSD or domestic violence
Identify any other information you need and why this would be critical in forming a program
Describe the social work skills and sensitivities you need to develop the program
Explain the military culture elements that are shown in the case study
Explain your design and how it would support military families

Be specific in your answers and provide examples. Cite the resources and any additional resources you use. Be sure to follow APA guidelines in your research, writing, and citation.

Working With Domestic Violence in the Military: The Case of Mark and Sofia
Mark is a 28-year-old Caucasian male married 2 years to Sofia, a 26-year-old Brazilian-born female. Mark is a United States Air Force Finance Officer and has been in the military for 5 years. The couple has no children. Both Sofia and Mark are generally in good health with no prior domestic violence or substance abuse history. Neither Sofia nor Mark has a criminal history. Mark and Sofia were initially referred to the Family Advocacy Program at a military base in the southern United States due to an incident of reported domestic violence. Sofia presented to the local emergency room with bruising to her left eye and scratches around her face and neck. Sofia told the emergency room doctor that her husband had been out all night drinking with friends the evening before, and when he returned home the couple argued and her husband became physically abusive to her. Sofia explained that he had not been physically abusive to her before; however, he would not give her any money, and she felt very isolated being away from family and friends in her native country of Brazil. Sofia speaks primarily Portuguese and only a little English. The emergency room followed reporting procedures for domestic violence, and the police and the base were notified. The base, upon legal review, decided to take jurisdiction of this case, and the charges in Mark and Sofia’s local jurisdiction were dismissed. Mark’s squadron commander made the referral to the base Family Advocacy Clinic and immediately put in place a Commander’s Restraining Order. Mark was removed from the home and told not to contact Sofia in any manner, and she was allowed to stay in her house on base.  Social Work Case Studies for SOCW 6061M / Page 2 Mark was active-duty military and earned a good living. Sofia had been employed in Brazil until her marriage to Mark 2 years prior and was currently not working, largely in part due to acculturation and language barriers. Sofia had only been living in the United States for the last year and a half. Mark’s command was fully engaged in the safety of the couple and the treatment planning. Mark and Sofia presented separately and individually to the Family Advocacy Clinic for evaluation. The case was referred to the military board for review and was substantiated. After evaluation using a learned-behavior theoretical approach, Mark was referred for a secondary substance abuse evaluation and the Men’s Power and Control Group. Following Mark’s substance abuse evaluation, it was recommended he complete three classes of alcohol behavior counseling for education. Mark did not meet criteria for a substance abuse diagnosis at that time. Sofia was referred to individual therapy and a women’s support group. The use of an interpreter was employed to reduce language barriers in both the evaluation and treatment of Sofia. The goals of treatment for Sofia included having her examine in therapy the pros and cons of her staying in the marriage and to increase autonomy and self-esteem that had been damaged by the trauma of the domestic violence. The therapist and her group worked toward aiding her in developing a healthy support system and to reduce the isolation she had been experiencing.  Mark’s goals for treatment included having him take full responsibility for his own abusive behavior and to eliminate any further physical aggression in the relationship. Additionally, goals were set to have Mark examine his own coercive or emotionally abusive behaviors and develop new skills to address anger and frustration in intimate relationships. The group therapy aided Mark in developing increased empathy for his estranged spouse as well as providing a supportive social network.  Social Work Case Studies for SOCW 6061M / Page 3 Sofia completed three individual therapy sessions and two women’s group meetings before she decided to return home to Brazil and file for divorce from Mark. Mark’s squadron provided financial assistance to have Sofia fly home. Mark successfully completed his required 12-week Men’s Power and Control Group and his substance abuse classes, and all his goals were completed. At this time there have been no further reports of domestic violence or substance abuse with Mark, and it is assumed that Sofia has moved on and is doing well.