MFRC Deployment & Absence Resources and Services for Parents, Children & Youth

Respite Child Care During Absences

(For children ages 6 months - 5 years)

Funded by donations to the MFRC, respite child care (for children up to school age) is available at no cost when a military parent is deployed or away for work-related reasons for 21 consecutive days or more. You can receive one continuous 3-hour session per week up to a maximum of 4 free sessions per month. Punch cards keep track of family usage. Parents must complete registration forms and follow established guidelines. If you have unique child care needs, please contact us. Register up to 8 days in advance of session. Call 250-363-2674 to book your spot.

Additional sessions are available at Casual Child Care rates.

Supporting Children Through Absence 

(For children ages 3-12)

Help your young child adjust to a parent being away on deployment or any other work-related absence. Children interact with other children who are going through the same experience. These workshops will help validate your child’s feelings about a parent being away.  

A variety of daytime and evening sessions are offered. Space is limited, please register your child in advance.

Ages 3-5Ages 5-12

Children's Deployment Workbooks & Parent Guide

(For parents/caregivers and their children ages 3-12)

Would you like to better support your child(ren) throughout their parent’s deployment or work-related absence? The MFRC has workbooks for children 3 to 12 years of age and an easy-to-use parent guide for the at-home parent that includes tips and activities for the away parent. Pick up a copy from our CPAC MFRC location or order online through our website.

Interested in picking up a workbook for your child or have questions? 
Please reach out to Tracy Beck, Children’s Workshop Facilitator, at [email protected].

*These workbooks and accompanying parent guide are available in both English and French.

When ordering Children’s Workbooks or Parent Guides, please include the following information in your email:

• Your first and last name, mailing address, and contact information (email address and telephone number) 
• Away/Deploying military member’s first name, last name, and unit
• Amount of Children’s Workbooks for the order (choice of ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, and 9-12 years) and language (English or French)
• Amount of Parent Guides for the order and language (English or French)

Order Workbook

Parenting from Afar

(For parents/caregivers of children from birth - age 18)

Want to learn more about parenting in the military lifestyle? Learn how to maintain an active and vital role in the life of your child/youth from afar with this easy-to-read handbook. Discover strategies to help support the connection between the parent/caregiver at home and the parent who is away so that you can continue to parent together while you are apart. 

Download a copy

Short-Term Counselling

(For children ages 5 and over, couples, and families)

The Family Wellness and Counselling team includes a committed team of highly trained professionals, including Registered Social Workers and Counsellors. Team members understand the unique aspects of the military lifestyle and are committed to supporting families navigating experiences such as deployments and postings. 

They can provide short-term counselling and personalized support for military lifestyle-related issues including: 

• Mental health support
• Relationship issues
• Parenting challenges
• Coping with challenging situations

Intake information: [email protected] and 778-533-7736

Learn more

Emergency Family Plan

It is essential to plan for the unexpected for you and your family. It is critical to have a workable emergency family plan if something happens at home to a family member during a work-related absence. This resource includes spaces for information on emergency contacts, child(ren), dependent adult(s), and pets.

Learn more

Additional Resources

• MFRC Family Networks - Connect with others going through the same experience, participate in social activities, and get the latest updates on deployments and work-related absences.
• MFRC Events Calendar - A list of upcoming and ongoing events and activities online and in-person at the Esquimalt MFRC.
• MFRC Preparing for Deployment and Absence Resources - Checklists and a workshop recording to help you prepare for a deployment or work-related absence.
• MFRC Return and Reintegration Resources - A workshop recording to help you prepare for the homecoming period and beyond.

Mental Health & Wellness Supports

• Important Phone Numbers & Links - Important phone numbers and website links at CFB Esquimalt and in the Greater Victoria community.
• Crisis Texting Service for Kids of CAF Families - Children, youth and young adults from military families can access free mental health and well-being support by texting the keyword CAFKIDS at 686868 for service in English.
• Family Information Line (1-800-866-4546) - Provides free 24/7 counselling supports for military connected families.
• CF Members Assistance Program (1-800-268-7708) - Offers 24/7 assistance in finding a counsellor in the community. This program is free for military members and their families.
• FamilySmart - Resources, videos and workshops for parents and caregivers wanting to better support their child/youth’s mental health
• Strongest Families - Supports for children/youth ages 3-17 who require strategies to address anxiety and behavioural issues.

Military Community Supports

• Sesame Street for Military Families - Please note this is an American resource.
• MFS Youth Support Group - Online youth support group for military youth to connect with their peers.
• MFS Video: Tips for having a better relationship with your teen
• PSP Recreation - Looking for affordable child-minding options for school-aged children? Check out their Fantastic Fridays, Movie Nights, and more!
• Canadian Military Family Magazine - website and Facebook page
• Support to Parents Facebook Group
• Support to Parents of CAF Members