Caring for the Child Soldiers of Guantanamo

Abstract

Military behavioral health personnel are confronted with unexpected opportunities to provide behavioral health interventions during their course of duty. This article provides an in-depth discussion of the treatment interventions that were designed around the concepts and techniques used in working with children in institutional settings. Confronted with language barriers, the Afghani child soldiers at Guantanamo responded to the supportive, therapeutic group and individual interactions in a manner similar to that of American adolescent males in similar restricted settings. They were engaging and used the interventions to problem solve, express feelings, and cope with their circumstances.

Keywords:

• Child soldiers
• Guantanamo detainees
• adolescent detainees
• mental health treatment
• incarcerated adolescents

Notes

The view(s) expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S. government.