New Services for Canadian Forces Families
Military families will be better informed, connected and involved
Two new services for military families, the FamilyForce website and Family Information Line, were recently launched by Director Military Family Services.
The Family Information Line (FIL) is an expansion of the Mission Information Line, a service that some of you are familiar with, especially during times of deployment. This expanded service now offers information, support and referral services to all Canadian Forces families, irrespective of whether a family’s loved one is deployed or not. FIL counsellors will direct families to their local Canadian/Military Family Resource Centres (C/MFRCs), as well as provide information about national services and resources. FIL counsellors provide supportive counselling, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to midnight EST, with the exception of statutory holidays.
The FamilyForce website is a central “one-stop shop”, easy-to-use directory that connects families to their local C/MFRCs, as well as to national information, services and resources. FamilyForce.ca allows families to find relevant information about programs and services offered to families in their location, regardless of whether they live on or off base, in Canada, the United States or Europe.
Also new on FamilyForce is access to a new national information and referral service that will allow families to search a regularly updated inventory of personal and family care providers from across Canada. The service will allow you to generate customized referral requests for services relating to children and teens, self-care including mental health and rehabilitation resources, as well as referrals for senior care anywhere in Canada.
The website also links families to the National Military Family Council (NMFC), the advisory council that provides a voice for military families to the senior leadership of the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence. The Council is comprised of volunteer spouses and parents of military personnel. Families are encouraged to share their experiences, information and reports with the NMFC, bringing a voice for families to the forefront of Canadian Forces policy.