Understanding the Culture of Military Families using the Protective Factors Framework

Julia Yeary, LCSW, IMH-E®

Infant and Early Childhood Mentor, Clinical and Policy

Hawai’i is home for about 100,000 military families. Families may represent an array of different early experiences and cultures, including family members who grew up right here in the islands! Overlaying this primary culture is a unique set of values, beliefs and customs encouraged by the military. Understanding the nuances of this culture, as well as the many resources available to those in the military can help you in facilitating the support needed for the keiki you serve. Join Julia Yeary, LCSW, IMH-E® as she discusses military culture in the context of the Strengthening Families® Protective Factors Framework.

In this session you will:

• Reflect on the experience of being a military child and how it can impact behavior
• Discuss the risk factors and challenges present in everyday military life
• Unpack best practices for engaging caregivers in the military
• Explore the resources available to bolster military families’ protective factors

Register HERE

Julia Yeary, LCSW, IMH-E®

Julia Yeary grew up in Aiea, the youngest in a military family.  Her father originally was from Washington State, and her mother grew up in Ewa, Hawaii. After graduating with her master’s in social work from the University of Hawaii, Julia married a Marine, and moved frequently with her family.  Now retired and living in Wisconsin, she is providing training and consultation across the country including work with Vibrant Emotional Health, supporting unaccompanied migrant youth and with ZERO TO THREE’S HealthySteps program. Julia recently retired as the Director of Military Projects for ZERO TO THREE. She is the author of many articles including Difficult Goodbyes: Supporting Toddlers Coping with Separation Anxiety (Young Children 2020), and a co-author for Meeting the Needs of the Children and Families of Veterans: A Report by the NCTSN-VA Subcommittee (2022). She also was the chief architect for the app, Babies on the Homefront from ZERO TO THREE.