Administered by local units, the Family Care Plan (FCP) is designed to ensure that you have a plan in place to care for your family in the event of an emergency callout or planned deployment.

The FCP is not a legally binding contract, but rather an exchange of information between your family and the Commanding Officer. It is kept on the Canadian Forces (CF) member’s file and is designed to improve individual and unit operational effectiveness. The FCP is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act.

All CF personnel must complete the FCP form DAOD 5044-1A. We encourage your family to work together to create your FCP and to update it regularly. Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs) can also assist your family in finding appropriate caregivers, and in the creation of your FCP. 

You should:

• Review, amend and submit your FCP (DAOD 5044-1A) to your unit regularly, and specifically when: 

o    The CF member initially reports to a new unit;
o    Your family situation changes;
o    During the deployment process.

• Share your plan with the caregivers identified in the FCP as well as your local C/MFRC, so that they are prepared to assist your family as quickly as possible in times of emergency.