Young people from Armed Forces Families: Post-16 education and training
The Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance community identified a low awareness and understanding of the challenges, strengths and pathways of young people in Armed Forces families (Service children) in post-16 education. In response, the Alliance carried out scoping research and convened a summit of key stakeholders in July 2021 to consider the way forward. This report examines these inputs and draws recommendations for a national strategy to address support for Service children in the 16-19 phase. Service families may move frequently, with little agency and at short notice. Frequent separation, anxiety during deployment and the stress of transition out of the military may also present considerable potential for diverse and unique impacts on young people as they approach post-16 education and training.
Abstract: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides health care to veterans for mental health conditions, such as depression and substance use disorders. VA data showed that the percentage of student veterans who received mental health care at VA facilities increased from fiscal years 2017 through 2022, and at a higher rate than that of the total veteran population. (See figure.) VA data show student veterans were primarily treated for depression-related disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety-related disorders. VA officials said younger veterans typically seek mental health care more than older veterans, and most student veterans are younger than age 34. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health conditions for the general population, including for veterans.