Good preparation is important in reducing the stress associated with a short or long-term absence. This checklist has been created to guide you through deployment planning.

Please be aware that it is possible to get a checklist either at the MFRC or in PDF interactive format here: 

Download the Checklits

 

Are you experiencing your spouse’s absence? Have you thought about ways to support each other during this difficult time?

The To Open When letters are small messages intended to support the loved one during an absence. They can be written for the person staying at home, for the children or for the member who will be absent for military reasons. Think about the different times that could be challenging for your loved one. Let your creativity flow and have fun in the process.

Here are some examples: 

• To Open When you feel lonely 
• To Open When you need to laugh 
• To Open When you need motivation 
• To Open before your exam 
• To Open When you won’t feel like making supper… 

 Add a picture, a drawing of a small gift. What is important is to think about the other person and what can make them feel good! Kind words and gestures can make a world of difference during an absence.

To ask for your To Open When kit, contact us by email or Facebook messenger.

Each family member or appointed next of kin receives an information kit which includes many interesting documents about prolonged absence (How to Better Cope with Prolonged Absence), important phone numbers and information about MFRC services.

MFRC Social Workers make support phone calls to establish contact with their clientele as they respect their needs throughout the entirety of the prolonged absence.

Families and next of kin have the opportunity to strike up friendships with others to get mutual support during periods of separation. This group is led by the Family Separation and Reunion Coordinator, who can inform and help participants in various situations. 

These activities are specifically organized according to the needs of families and next-of-kin. They may find their expression in information sessions, thematic workshops, social activities, etc.

Information sessions about deployment and prolonged absence are offered to help families and next of kin become aware of difficulties that are likely to arise before, during and after a separation, thus preparing them to face these problems.

This childcare service is offered at the MFRC to grant a period of rest to a parent for a modest fee. It allows the parent to benefit from a few hours of personal time.

Immediate support and aide are offered. Families and next-of-kin benefit from continual confidential support and follow-up as needed during crises.

Free at all times!

What better way to cheer up your loved one during their deployment than to send them a parcel filled with love and treats!

You can send a parcel abroad for free from the Bagotville MFRC. Here are some instructions to facilitate your shipment. 

• Fill your box so that the things in it cannot be damaged during transport. If necessary, use bubble wrap or newspapers. The material necessary for the packaging of your parcel is available on site. 

• To make sure your package is the correct size and weight and that it does not contain any prohibited items, read the instructions for sending overseas.

• Write the requested information (your name, address, phone number and the contents of the box) legibly, to the left of the deployed member’s address.

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TO CONTACT US

Please call us and make an appointment in order for us to help you pack and label your parcel properly. 

 Email: info@crfmbagotville.com
 418-677-7468
 m.me/14408476567415

• Presence of an MFRC Social Worker upon servicemen and servicewomen’s arrival 
• Follow-up by the Social Worker in the form of calls or letters for 3 months following the arrival 

Additional support available upon request :

• Individual, couples or family follow-up

FOR 3–5 YEAR-OLDS
 
A parent’s absence is a destabilizing situation for a child. If you or your spouse must leave for operational reasons, make sure your young children have the opportunity to know the story The Fuzz Buddies Are Here!

The the goal of the Fuzz Buddies story is to explain, in a playful way, the absence of a parent. It will help your children identify their emotions and will suggest good strategies for cope with them.

A story to read, watch or listen to!
 

French: Story read​	English: Story read
Bilingual book download
Bilingual book online consultation

"Fuzz Buddies" workshop 
These workshops help children to better deal with separation so they’re able to talk about their sadness, anger, and boredom in an acceptable manner. Furthermore, they can rub shoulders with other children who are experiencing the same situation.
 

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"Draco" workshops 
"Draco" workshops are aimed at children aged 4 to 7 years who have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience the prolonged absence of a parent.

These workshops allow children to talk about their experience relating to the prolonged absence of a military parent and to develop efficient adaptation and stress-management skills that will help them throughout their development.
 

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"FRIENDS" workshop                                                                              
 This program allows children to learn practical and efficient means from one another to face anxiety, stressful situations, and negative emotions in order to develop resilience.
 

The "Mission Expression" game is an intervention tool that gives our Social Workers resources and practical means to help youths aged 12 to 17 years to experience the prolonged absence of a military parent. Based on challenge, this game’s objective is to have youths explore some realities of military life and express themselves on the subject and their perceptions of it. They’ll also have the opportunity to express their opinion and experiences.

"Mission Expression" is an intervention and communication tool which allows adults in the youths’ environments to understand them and help them to experience a prolonged absence.

It can be played in the form of a discussion group supervised by the Youth Services Social Worker in order to provide resources and allow teenagers to find potential solutions and develop coping mechanisms regarding the prolonged absence of their parent. 

This deployment journal and guide allows youths to experience the absence of the military parent step-by-step, understand, and note that it is normal to feel certain emotions. There will also be tools and tips in it to help them experience this reality in a more personal way. 
 

Consult the document

Download the document