Improving the “well-being and psychological health” of military families got top billing when The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced via email its participation in a new federal effort to provide better support to American service personnel and their loved ones.

President Obama directed the National Security Staff in May 2010 to develop a strategy to improve the coordination of federal services for military families. On Jan. 24, 2011, The White House announced the result: a new effort, that will focus on four priorities:

• Enhance the well-being and psychological health of military families.
• Ensure excellence in military children’s education and their development.
• Develop career and educational opportunities for military spouses.
• Increase child care availability and quality for the armed forces.

For example, in addition to improving behavioral healthcare, the report supports the spread of treatment courts for veterans.

The initiative dovetails with SAMHSA’s commitment to serving military families as one of its own priorities.

For complete details about the new initiative, read the strategic plan, Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment (PDF).