Resources for families

Family Members

This information can also be found in the Veteran Family Journal.

Military Family Resource Centres

Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) provide support to all CAF families including those who have a loved one who has been injured or becomes ill while serving. MFRC services include: 

• Support for children, parents and spouses of the ill or injured member; 
• Accessible emergency accommodations for the ill or injured member and the family; 
• Access to childcare during recuperation to prevent and alleviate stress; 
• Assistance navigating through relevant programs and services; 
• Aid in development of positive coping strategies; 
• Foster family peer support groups/networks; 
• Referrals to mental health services; 
• Access to community-based education and prevention programs; and supports and services.   

Veteran Family Program Coordinator – Military Family Resource Centre

Integrated within the MFRC, the Veteran Family Program Coordinator provides support services to medically released Veterans and their families to ease the transition to civilian life. Services include enhanced information and referral services, transition programs; and access to intervention support.

Family Information Line

By calling the 24/7 Family Information Line (FIL) you will be connected to friendly, bilingual, experienced counsellors who are well-versed on CAF communities and programs and services.  

• 1-800-866-4546 (North America) 
• 00-800-771-17722 (International) 
• 1-613-995-5234 (Collect calls)   

Veterans Affairs Canada

VAC has a range of mental health services and benefits for veterans, current members of the CAF and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their families: 

• Crisis and Referral Centre line (1-800-268-7708). A 24-hour toll-free help line that can provide Veterans and their families with short-term professional counselling and referral services, including support for mental and emotional health concerns; 
• Wellness Kit series of mental health fact sheets 
• Information on PTSD, including PTSD and the Family for Parents with Young Children, PTSD and War Related Stress, learn about PTSD and Understanding PTSD Treatment; and 
• Fact sheets on depression, anxiety and more.   

Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program

The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) is a voluntary and confidential counselling service providing short term counselling services (maximum of eight sessions). The service, available free of charge 24/7, can be accessed by still-serving medically releasing members and their families by calling 1-800-268-7708.

Chaplains - Spiritual and Religious Well-Being

As trained religious and spiritual caregivers, CAF chaplains are on-call 24/7 to support members in need and provide support and advice to the chain of command and care providers. If you are still-serving, medically releasing member, or family member searching for a chaplain in your area, contact your local MFRC.

Compensation and Benefits

Support Our Troops (SOT) is an official charity of her Her Majesty in right of Canada for the Canadian Armed Forces community; managed and operated by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services.  It was established to meet the unique needs and special challenges faced by members of the Canadian Armed Forces community as a result of military service.  It provides a platform to allow a range of supporters to show their care, compassion and support to serving members, veterans and their.

The Mind's the Matter 

Military Family Services and the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group are proud to introduce "The Mind's the Matter" - a web-based, interactive video for CF families who may be living with someone who has an Operational Stress Injury (OSI).

This initiative is a first-of-its-kind tool for Canadian Forces families. It provides real life solutions for spouses and teens coping with a difficult situation.