FOCUS School-Based Skill-Building Groups: Training and Implementation

Abstract

Military children encounter unique stressors that can affect their social and emotional well-being. These challenges can serve as a risk to the military child’s successful academic performance. This study fills a much-needed research gap by examining the training and implementation of a public school–based intervention, Families OverComing Under Stress (FOCUS) School-Based Skill-Building Groups (SBGs). Social work interns from 2 academic years (2011–2012 and 2012–2013) were trained in the implementation of the SBGs. The SBGs aim to promote resilience among students from military families. This study reveals positive findings associated with training the interns. Implementation strengths and challenges are carefully reviewed. Suggestions for the need for school-based interventions are also discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ediza Garcia

Ediza Garcia is associate director of training and Patricia Lester is professor and director at the Nathanson Family Resilience Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Kris Tunac De Pedro is assistant professor at Chapman University. Ron Avi Astor is professor at the University of Southern California. Rami Benbenishty is professor at Bar Ilan University.

Kris Tunac De Pedro

Ediza Garcia is associate director of training and Patricia Lester is professor and director at the Nathanson Family Resilience Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Kris Tunac De Pedro is assistant professor at Chapman University. Ron Avi Astor is professor at the University of Southern California. Rami Benbenishty is professor at Bar Ilan University.

Ron Avi Astor

Ediza Garcia is associate director of training and Patricia Lester is professor and director at the Nathanson Family Resilience Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Kris Tunac De Pedro is assistant professor at Chapman University. Ron Avi Astor is professor at the University of Southern California. Rami Benbenishty is professor at Bar Ilan University.

Patricia Lester

Ediza Garcia is associate director of training and Patricia Lester is professor and director at the Nathanson Family Resilience Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Kris Tunac De Pedro is assistant professor at Chapman University. Ron Avi Astor is professor at the University of Southern California. Rami Benbenishty is professor at Bar Ilan University.

Rami Benbenishty

Ediza Garcia is associate director of training and Patricia Lester is professor and director at the Nathanson Family Resilience Center, University of California, Los Angeles. Kris Tunac De Pedro is assistant professor at Chapman University. Ron Avi Astor is professor at the University of Southern California. Rami Benbenishty is professor at Bar Ilan University.