Military Family ServicesInformation Brief - CMHA

25 Feb 2015

Objectives

• Introduction to Military Family Services• Increased awareness on the unique challenges faced by

military families in Canada• Increase awareness on what programs are currently available

for military families• Identify currents strengths and challenges moving forward

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Military Family Services

VisionStrong, resilient families who enable a mission-ready Force and who enjoy a quality of life comparable to other Canadian families.

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Access to Services For Families

Military Family Resource Centres – On Base, In Person- 33 in Canada and additional programs and services in the United States and Europe.- Third party, non-profit organizations located on Bases/Wings/Units or through outreach programs.- Provide services in both official languages

24/7 Family Information Line – Informed, Connected and Supported- 1-800-866-4546- Confidential, bilingual, professional supportive counselling - Information and referrals to MFRCs, and local community services

www.FamilyForce.ca – For and about Canadian military families- A portal to all MFRCs for local community information- Useful, current information of interest to all Canadian military families

The Community• Talented, diverse, mobile & resilient• More than 80% live in civilian communities (off base)• 75% have children• Where are the families?

Where are military families?Military Family Members by Province

Nb: Stats do not include several populations which fall within MFS population served, including children over 19 years, parents of CAF personnel and relatives.

Unique Challenges

CF Ombudsman Report: On the Homefront, 2013

Lifestyle impact

• Changing daily routine (pre-deployment, deployment, reintegration)

• Single parenting• Stress and additional responsibilities• Provide moral support during deployment• Short absence = Disruption• Isolation

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Mental HealthBackground:

• CAF families are inherently strong and resilient• Unique demands of military service can significantly disrupt

family life• Stress associated with military service is reported to be one of

the main contributors to mental illness among spouses/partners

• Families of ill and injured are especially susceptible

Data: Spousal Resiliency

The majority of CAF spouses (81.8%) believed that they successfully meet the challenges of military life

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“I successfully meet the challenges of military life”

Military Spouses’ Perception of CAF Support: Findings of the Quality of Life (QOL) Survey, Zhigang Wang, PhD, DRPFS 2-2, DGMPRA, July 09, 2014

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Mental HealthMFS Programming:• The MFS Program is designed to be preventative in nature. It

espouses diversity and flexibility in order to enable individuals and families to manage crises and periods of high stress.

• Prevention, Support, Intervention• Strengths-based programming that focuses on the

competencies/possibilities of families and not their deficiencies.

• 4 Access Points to Services (MFRC, Family Information Line, FamilyForce and Community)

Resources

• Consolidated list of CAF/DND mental health and social wellness programs

• Local contact information• Family Friendly• Built with CMHA input• Available on-line

– www.familyforce.ca

• Enhanced access for families in crisis (FIL 24/7)• Partnerships with recognized MH thought and practice

leaders (Royal Ottawa, CMHA, Vanier Institute)• Leadership-vocal and visible advocacy of military family well-

being • Frontline service providers and supporters are profoundly

committed to supporting military families• Cooperation among service providers (D MH, DCSM)• MFRC imprint on MFS programming (Family-Centred)

What is Going Right ?

• Requirement to communicate more assertively, directly, and innovatively with families about the programs/supports available

• Accessing appropriate medical care remains a persistent challenge

• Existing shortage of qualified mental health care providers in many communities resulting in increased demands for MFRC services

Challenges ?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H5fob55j5o• Thank You!

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