The ongoing war and frequent military deployments in Israel pose a significant threat to the mental health of families, particularly those with a parent called to extended reserve duty. Children in these families are exposed to instability, disrupted routines, and caregiver stress, increasing their risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Meanwhile, non-deployed parents face heightened caregiving demands under conditions of fear, uncertainty, and trauma. To address these pressing needs, the current study aims to adapt and evaluate the After Deployment Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) program, for the Israeli context. The ADAPT program is a trauma-informed, group-based parent training intervention, originally developed for U.S. military families. Its goal is to enhance effective parenting practices and support children mental health by equipping parents with evidence-based parenting tools. The current study includes three-phases: (1) focus groups with Israeli parents to explore lived experiences, coping challenges, and support needs during wartime; (2) translation and cultural adaptation of the ADAPT program; and (3) a pilot implementation of the adapted intervention among Israeli families in which one parent has served at least 200 days in reserve duty, with evaluation of feasibility and acceptability. By tailoring this intervention to the specific needs and cultural diversity of Israeli society, this research makes a direct contribution to strengthening the mental health of families living under chronic threat. The study will generate critical insights into how parenting support programs can foster resilience and promote the psychological well-being of both parents and children in families affected by prolonged parental deployment.

Supervisors: Prof. Abigail Gewirtz, Dana Lassri