Specialized Supports: Veteran Family Program

The Veteran Family Program (VFP) supports medically released Veterans and their families by helping them navigate the transition to civilian life and access the services and supports they need.

Programs and services are focused on meeting individual needs and work towards finding solutions and support. The VFP can enhance other services provided through the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Veterans Affairs Canada and other organizations in the local community.

Veteran Family Program Coordinators

Veteran Family Program (VFP) Coordinators are specialized professionals located in some Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) across Canada, who support medically releasing CAF members, medically released Veterans, and their families.

The VFP Coordinators facilitate the transition to civilian life by providing personalized, one-on-one navigation, case management and referrals to community services. Their key responsibilities and services include:

Identifying family needs, risks and complexities to create tailored transition plans
Helping families navigate civilian health care, mental health systems and employment services
Providing information, referrals and access to intervention support services
Offering transition programs, workshops, and short-term counseling

Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), in their leadership role in the care and support of Veterans and their families, has a host of targeted services and benefits for families and caregivers of former CAF members to help improve their well-being, including their physical health, mental health and financial health.

Consult this transition tool to pick your path and find out what services, resources and benefits are available to you and your family.

Wounded Warriors Canada

A national mental health service provider dedicated to serving trauma exposed professionals including Veterans, as well as their families.

Following are two of their programs:

Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday

Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE) is a couples-based trauma program to help couples deal with and heal from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn coping skills and insights to help manage living with PTSD.

Spousal Resiliency Program

The Spousal Resiliency Program (SRP) is designed to bring together spouses of Veterans who are struggling with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn coping skills and insights to help manage living with a partner with PTSD.

Care for the caregiver

As a caregiver of a Veteran or medically released CAF member living with an operational stress injury (OSI), there may be significant challenges in supporting a loved one while managing other responsibilities. This resource provides OSI education as well as self-care tools to support the caregiver role.

Opening minds: Mental health first aid for the Veteran community

This program addresses mental health challenges that Veterans and their families may face. It provides families and communities with practical tools to strengthen support networks and help Veterans feel heard and supported.

Operational stress injury resources for families and caregivers

Keeping your life in balance is essential if you want to take care of others. There are many supports for families and caregivers who may be dealing with the effects of an OSI. Families and caregivers may also be eligible for certain benefits.

If you, as a family member or caregiver, are experiencing the effects of an OSI, the services listed at the following link can be helpful.

Operational Stress Injury Social Support

This program is a national peer support network for CAF members, Veterans and their families experiencing an OSI. It connects you with a supportive community of people with similar experiences, help to set goals and provides effective resources.

MindKit

MindKit is a website for young family members of Veterans living with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). It’s a place for youth to find information on mental health and the brain, what it’s like to live with PTSI in your family and ways to handle challenges.