Minister O'Regan announces expanded access to the Veteran Family Program

Veterans Affairs Canada

March 15, 2018

Medically releasing CAF members, medically-released Veterans and their families will have
access to 32 Military Family Resource Centres across Canada.

EDMONTON, March 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Families are an integral part of Veterans' well-being and this is why we are enhancing and expanding programs and services that focus on not only the
Veterans, but their families too.

As of April 1, 2018, medically-releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans who are medically released and their families who are in need of assistance will have access to the Veteran Family Program.

The Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) are a hub for military communities and including Veterans in their programming is a natural extension to the MRFCs' suite of services. Funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, the Veteran Family Program can assist medically-releasing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, medically-released Veterans and their families with access to transition programs, referral services and intervention support.

The Veteran Family Program is a suite of transition support services designed to help CAF members and Veterans transition from military to post-service life by guiding them and their families to information and resources in their communities.

Quote

"We know that when a member of the military serves, their family serves too. That's why in just a few short weeks, medically-released Veterans and their families will have access to the Veteran Family Program at all 32 Military Family Resource Centres across the country.

We are expanding the successful pilot project that ran at 7 MFRCs, like this one here in Edmonton. We heard from Veterans and their families that they really liked being able to come by and get the support they needed, when they needed it. Judgement free.

Now we're rolling it out across the country. We are here to help."

The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• Veterans Affairs Canada is committing $147 million over six years for this expansion.

• For online information go to http://www.cafconnection.com/ or call the 24/7 Family Information Line (1-800-866-4546).

• Research has shown that the transition from military to post-service life can be a stressful time. Ensuring uninterrupted access to the Veteran Family Program can help to address some of the challenges faced by medically releasing Canadian Armed Forces members, medically released Veterans and their families.

Fact Sheet http://www.veterans.gc.ca/pdf/about-us/department-officials/minister/budget/veteran-family-program-expansion.pdf

Infographic http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-us/department-officials/minister/budget/supporting-families/military-family-support-program-graphic

CAF Connection Website https://www.cafconnection.ca/National/Home.aspx

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada


For further information: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca; John Embury, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/minister-oregan-announces-expanded-access-to-the-veteran-family-program-677008653.html