Social Integration

On This Page:

1. Family
2. Caregivers
3. HOPE Program
4. Community Integration
5. Legion

Transitioning from military to civilian life may affect social ties either partially or completely. Although there are many ways (via reunions, regimental associations, commemorations, close friendships and family links) by which some transitioning members seek to maintain these ties over time, it is likely that for many they will weaken.

Building new civilian social networks can be challenging for many CAF members. Social integration through formal, informal and virtual civilian social networks plays an important role during the transition from military to civilian identity and throughout the life of a Veteran.

Social support networks can come in multiple forms including family, friends, and veterans’ groups.

Social integration focuses on the degree and effectiveness of connecting within the home, family, and community environments, including social relationships, networks, and supports. This domain recognizes the importance of support and caring, respectful interpersonal relations provided by social support networks such as friends, families and communities.

Social networks connect individuals to wider social relationships and offer a sense of community belonging and engagement.

Support from families, friends and communities is associated with better health. Such social support networks could be integral in helping people solve problems, deal with adversity, and maintain a sense of mastery and control over life circumstances. Social relationships tend to act as a buffer from aggravating health problems due to the nurturing and respectful nature, resulting sense of satisfaction and well-being.

The most important aspect of this domain of well-being is to be in a mutually supportive relationship and engaged in community.

Some things to consider

• Do you have family and friends who are reliable and willing to support you through the military to civilian transition?
• Are you aware of social support and peer programs available for transitioning personnel and Veterans? Have you made contact with any resources that are relevant to your situation? Do you want to affiliate with your relevant Service Branch, Corps, or Regimental Associations?
• Did you investigate clubs, sports centres or groups that are in line with your extracurricular activities or interests?

Family

The transition process provides the opportunity to consider your family’s needs as it relates to transition. In other words, a main influence upon family life, the military, is replaced by a broader range of considerations when looking forward to life after the service. For the CAF member, transition planning becomes more family-centric.

Transitioning out of the military may afford you the opportunity to accomplish lifelong dreams and the chance to connect with your family and your local community. For many military families, the prospect of settling down in one geographic area is very appealing. To be able to develop long-term friendships in the same neighborhood and belong to community groups are significant benefits that were more difficult to maintain while in the military, especially if you were subject to frequent moves. Staying in one location could also create opportunities to spend more time with your family.

For many families, transition to civilian life will permit the non-military spouse the opportunity to pursue stable employment and advancement. Often, your decision to transition will provide you and your family with more disposable income, especially if you are entitled to a pension.

You may experience a temporary loss of identity once you take off the uniform. Developing a new Raison D’être takes time but is ultimately rewarding. Serving Members are used to dealing with people on the basis of rank and may look for an equivalent rank structure in their new organization. This may be less apparent or even non-existent depending on the corporate culture of that particular employer. The loss of status that you may feel accompanies the transition to civilian life could affect both you and your family. The sense of camaraderie present in the military may change to reflect the unique attributes of your new civilian community. Within the CAF, over the years, you have adopted the military culture as a way of life. It may be unsettling to face a new community and/or employer as a civilian; learning the social norms and expectations may seem a little overwhelming at first. If you plan to transition from military to civilian life and you have not developed hobbies and made connections with community organizations, you may find yourself with too much time on your hands.

The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging for both members and their families. This section is designed to inform family members on how to prepare and assist with their loved one’s transition, and also to raise awareness of resources and services available to them as they embark on this journey.

Military and Veteran Family Services Program

The Military Family Services Program (MFSP) is the CAF-wide community-based support program delivering coordinated, consistent national services for families. It is stewarded by Military Family Services, an operational division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services.

The definition of a family member has evolved. As a result, the Military and Veteran Family Services Program (MVFSP) has also evolved to reflect that military and Veteran families come in all forms and all play important roles in support of transition.

MVFSP support to military families must focus most intently on those in our military family community who are impacted by the challenges of military life. It’s for this reason the majority of our services focus on spouses, children and parents.

Family Transition Advisor (FTA)

The FTA is the main point of contact for the family during the Military to Civilian Transition (MCT) process. They provide navigational, responsive, and targeted support such as information, resources, and referrals to address the diverse needs of each partner/family of CAF members who are voluntarily/involuntarily transitioning from military to civilian life. To determine where support may be needed, families are guided through a self-reflection tool called the Family Resiliency Screening Tool (FRST) that focuses on the 8 Domains of family resiliency (physical, psychological, intellectual, social, occupational, spiritual, financial, environmental). The 8 domains of family resiliency are a framework used to assess and promote the resiliency of families in various contexts by highlighting different aspects of family functioning and well-being that contribute to the family’s overall resiliency.

The FRST is used to highlight the unique strengths and challenges that military families face during the transition. By pinpointing areas of resilience and vulnerability, families can be better prepared to address potential issues. Based on the results of the self-reflection tool, the FTA provides the family with a Family Transition Plan (FTP) that contains the information, resources, and referrals relevant to their specific needs. The FTP is a live document that is completed in collaboration with the family and adjusted as needs change.

In addition to working with the family, the FTA also works alongside various service partners to ensure that supports are aligned, and the family has access to all of the services readily available to them, including the TAs that work with the transitioning member, and the Military Family Resource Centres.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)

Referred to as the hub of the military community, Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs) are located on all bases and wings across Canada, and Military Family Services (MFS) OUTCAN in Europe, the United States and the Rest of World (ROW). They are committed to enriching the lives of individuals and families in the CAF community through information and awareness, navigational support and intervention. Dedicated staff are responsible for connecting families to a wide range of relevant programs and services that empower and encourage strong, independent, resilient individuals, families and communities. For families who are not physically located near a MFRC, MFS facilitates a virtual MFRC that all CAF families can access. The virtual MFRC can be accessed anytime from anywhere, allowing CAF families to access resources and support services conveniently and from the comfort of their home.

MFRCs and MFS provide support to all CAF families including families of the fallen and those whose loved one is ill or injured. The Veteran Family Program (VFP) funded by VAC and FTAs, located at each Transition Unit, are pivotal n supporting families throughout their transitional journey from military to post service life.

The programs and services found at your local MFRC or nationally through MFS are designed to support you, your family and your community. MFRCs and MFS strive to ensure that every CAF family feels warmly welcomed and supported, whether they are seeking assistance in person, over the phone, or accessing services virtually. MFRC and MFS have dedicated teams who are committed to providing a friendly and compassionate experience, regardless of the mode of communication chosen.

The staff are connected to a diverse network of services both within the military and civilian communities to help provide you and your family with an array of options to fit your family’s unique needs. There are a variety of resources available, including: educational materials, services such as Emergency Family Care Assistance, employment and career counselling, and mental health supports. This comprehensive approach ensures that CAF families have access to the support they need in various aspects of their journey. The FTAs and Veteran Family Program Coordinators (VFPC) are skilled advisors who can provide targeted support to families as they navigate their transition. Their expertise and knowledge empower families to make informed decisions and access the necessary resources, including the MFRCs existing network of services, ultimately helping them successfully adjust to thrive in their post-service lives.

Some examples of the diverse family services available to help in the transition process include:

• Tailored services from a FTA within your TU, one-on-one support for navigating the transition process and available services for you and your family;
• Help in developing positive coping strategies;
• Referrals to community-based programs and services;
• Financial planning workshops; and
• Care for Caregivers.

To find out what family services are available in your area, visit the Releasing From the Military page on the CFMWS website.

Veteran Family Program

Embedded within MFRCS, Veteran Family Program Coordinators are the main point of contact for the medically released and/or medically releasing CAF members and their families as they transition . The VFPCs are the gateway to the resources families may need while going through a medical release, or medically releasing transition.

The VFPC provides guided support and encouragement to foster resiliency within the family, while respecting their right to autonomy; cultivates a safe environment and collaborative relationship through the use of micro-skills; advocates on behalf of the family, as required.

The VFPC also provides information, resources and referrals to internal and external partners for continuity of care for families of medically released members; or community resources where needed. The VFPC can help CAF members and their families be better placed to pursue education and awareness programs, support groups, workshops and other services and resources available at the MFRC/MFS and in the community.

• Conduct an intake to identify your family’s needs;
• Provide you with information about the programs, services and resources offered through the MFRC that may be of assistance during your transition;
• Offer support to caregivers, one-on-one or through peer support groups, and networks;
• Refer you to relevant community programs and services, and;
• Help you navigate the civilian environment.

Programs and services are always aimed to meet individual needs, and work towards finding solutions and support. The VFPC can enhance other services provided through the CAF TG, VAC and other organizations in the local community.

For additional information on VFPC:

• Visit any Canadian MFRC and speak with the onsite VFPC;
• Call the Family Information Line (FIL) at 1-800-866-4546 or send an email.
• Visit the CFMWS Veteran Family Program page

Find your local MFRC.

Note for Family Members: You do not need consent from your loved one to access these services, if you wish they can be kept entirely confidential. You can also access these services on your own if the member or Veteran is not able to attend.

Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (pilot)

At the time of publishing this Transition Guide, the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS) is a pilot program of the Veteran Family Program (VFP), funded through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and in partnership with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFWMS). This program connects medically-released Veterans and their families to a national network of Canadian-licensed doctors, nurse practitioners, and healthcare providers who are accessible online via secure text messaging, audio, or video in order to provide for basic acute, non-emergency healthcare services normally provided by a family physician, healthcare practitioner or a walk-in clinic. To learn more, please visit the following websites:

• Veteran Family Telemedicine Service
• Veteran Family Program
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services

Key Messages:

• VFTS is similar to the Military Family Virtual Healthcare Program that CAF families may be familiar with but the VFTS expands access to Medically Released CAF members and their families in order to help bridge some gaps in provincial healthcare services as they transition from service life to post-service life.
  • Military Family Virtual Healthcare Program
• Medically Released Veterans have one year from the date of their release to register for the program and will then receive one year of free virtual healthcare services through Maple, which provides access to a national network of doctors, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers for services including but not limited to prescription renewal, referral services, requisitions for lab work, X-rays and ultrasounds and Dr’s notes.
  • More information on Maple
• The VFTS is a bilingual service that is modern, portable, flexible and free.
• This service does not replace provincial health care services. Veterans and their families should continue to register with their local health authority to get a family doctor, recognizing this can take time in some communities.
• Bereaved families of deceased CAF members also have access to this service.

The current pilot, with program intake scheduled to cease as of 31 March 2025, is being reviewed for its effectiveness in meeting the healthcare needs of our Medically Released Veterans and their families. Depending on the level of success, as well as the on-going needs of our vulnerable Veterans and their families, discussions are underway to determine if the VFTS should be further extended beyond the pilot phase and if there is a need for expansion of the service to include non-medically releasing members and their families as well.

Family Liaison Officer

Your Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is a registered mental health professional who is a part of your local CAF TC team. FLOs serve all family members of an ill or injured CAF members, Reg or Res F, including their spouses, children, parents, relatives of significance or people who self-identify as the family of that member; and family members and persons of significance to fallen CAF personnel. The FLOs are the connection between the CAF TC and the MFRC to ensure the widest variety of support is offered to families of ill or injured military personnel, and families of the fallen.

Whether the member is returning to service or transitioning through the release process, the FLO is available to help families cope with all phases of the member’s recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration and can:

• Provide short-term group and individual counselling, resources and support to family members;
• Provide or support the development of educational and awareness sessions, briefings, and resources pertaining to bereavement, transition, change management, crisis management, family violence, impact of injury, etc.;
• Make appropriate referrals to relevant community service providers and conduct group and individual counselling sessions;
• Tailor the suite of MVFSP services to respond to the specific needs of each family; and
• Assist families as they navigate and access relevant programs and services. For additional information on the FLO please visit or call your local CAF TC or MFRC.

Find your local MFRC.

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Caregivers

Caregiver Well-being

Often, family members and friends intentionally or inadvertently become caregivers. The responsibility of a caregiver is self-directed and challenging. Caregivers can develop symptoms such as compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and/or vicarious trauma because they have been impacted by helping others without seeing their own wellness as a priority.

Support is available for caregivers who may be struggling and would like to speak with someone immediately. Services are available through the FIL, MFRC, Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program (CFMAP) and VAC Assistance Service.

• Find your local MFRC.
• 24/7 FIL: Call 1-800-866-4546 or email at FIL@cfmws.com
• 24/7 CFMAP: Call 1-800-268-7708
• 24/7 VAC Assistance Service: Call 1-800-268-7708
• OSISS - Family Peer Support: Call 1-800-883-6094

Canadian Armed Forces Caregiver Assistance Benefit

Ill and injured members of the CAF, who suffered permanent catastrophic impairment, temporary catastrophic impairment, or a non-catastrophic impairment in Afghanistan, and have a dependent child living with them, can request reimbursement for childcare payments or other caregiver expenses through their local CAF TC.

To determine eligibility and parameters, or to initiate a request for reimbursement, please contact your local CAF TC.

Veterans Affairs Canada Caregiver Recognition Benefit

Having a disability sometimes means you need ongoing care to remain in your home. The Caregiver Recognition Benefit recognizes the important role a caregiver delivers on a day-to-day basis by providing them with a tax free, monthly benefit.

Visit the Caregiver Recognition Benefit page for more information.

Family Violence Prevention

Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) do not result in family violence; however, family violence can happen in any home, at any time. The Healthy Relationships Campaign explores characteristics of relationships, explains in detail what family violence can entail, and where to go for support. For more information, please consult the Intimate Relationships Continuum and Chart.

Family violence means an abuse of power within a relationship of family, trust or dependency, and includes many forms of abusive behaviour. Examples include coercive conduct, destruction of property, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, harassment, homicide, injury to pets, neglect, physical assault, psychological abuse, sexual assault and threats. Abusive behaviour often results in the person feeling afraid and controlled.

A relationship is abusive if either partner or family member:

• Dominates or controls the other;
• Keeps the other isolated;
• Uses insults or put-downs;
• Damages (or threatens to damage) the other’s property;
• Shows extreme jealousy or possessiveness;
• Pushes, hits, throws things, chokes or physically restrains;
• Forces sex or non-consensual intimacy; and/or
• Limits or blocks access to money.

Where to go for support in the CAF (connect through local MFRC):

• Base/Wing/Unit Family Violence Advisory Teams;
• Military Police;
• Chaplains;
• Social Work Officers;
• Medical Officers (MO);
• CFMAP 1-800-268-7708; and
• FIL (24/7) 1-800-866-4546.

Where to go for support outside the Canadian Armed Forces:

• Emergency Services 911 police;
• Military Family Resource Centres;
• Shelters;
• Victim Services;
• Rape Crisis or Sexual Assault Support Centres;
• Social or Family Service Agency;
• Children’s Aid Society; and
• Hospitals.

For additional information, visit the Healthy Relationships Campaign web page.

HOPE Program

The transition for those left behind after a loved one has died is very difficult. The mission of the HOPE program (Helping Our Peers by Providing Empathy) is to provide confidential support to families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This includes a member in service or retired from the Reg F or Res F of the CAF, regardless of the cause of the loss (military service or to other factors such as sudden death, accident, illness, suicide or natural causes).

In many cases, this connection with a peer helper is very beneficial. Even if family, friends and in some cases, professional counsellors are available to provide support, many bereaved individuals also express a desire to speak with someone who has been through a similar experience. People who are grieving often make a connection with their peer helper because of this shared experience.

The HOPE program was created in 2006 with the help of people who have lost a military loved one. The program matches trained volunteers who offer peer support to bereaved families. The families are welcome at any time and there is no time limit for requests for support from the program.

The Impact of the Program

• The HOPE Program has developed a strong expertise in the grieving process.
• The program outcomes/data illustrate high positive results and improvement in psychological well-being for families.
• The program helps prevent family members from feeling alone in their grief and offers a safe and supportive space.

The role of the HOPE Program is to bring unique support and comfort through our volunteers. Peers listen to a member’s story/stories, thoughts, acknowledge their feelings, as well as share their own experiences, which offers a sense of HOPE. Sharing experiences plays an important role in enabling grieving members to see a new road ahead.

The HOPE Program is for adult family members and is available from Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm (Eastern Time). They can be reached via their toll-free telephone number at: 1-800-883-6094 (from anywhere in Canada) or through email at: HOPE-ESPOIR@forces.gc.ca, or for additional information, visit the HOPE Program page.

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Community Integration

Community Integration is developed through a supportive network, life-enhancing activities, active learning, and engagement. This allows you and your family to grow together as an entity. Ensuring appropriate services are offered to members and their families is essential in a new community while the member is encouraged together with their family to familiarize themselves with what the community has to offer.

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Legion

The Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization, helping Veterans, members of the CAF, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and their families get the care and support they deserve. The Legion is a democratic, non-partisan, member-based organization. It endeavours to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, and to always remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The Legion Veterans Services Network serves Veterans and their families, providing support, referrals, representation, advocacy and financial assistance. The services are free of charge, whether Veterans are Legion members or not.

Legion Locations

Legion Branches are the cornerstone of communities across Canada and provide one of the largest volunteer bases in the country. With 1,350 Branches across the country, Legion members provide local services and support to build a stronger Canada.

Programs and Services

The Legion has various services to support Veterans including:

• Assistance with VAC: The Legion's Veterans Services Network works on behalf of Veterans to ensure they receive eligible benefits. They offer assistance and information on, at times, complicated processes.
• Adjusting to Civilian Life: Legion Professional Command Service Officers can assist members and their families in accessing immediate and long-term supports and services, such as by:
  • Initiating referrals to CAF Transition Support Services relocation and employment;
  • Providing assistance at all stages of the disability claim process through VAC;
  • Offering guidance to members and their families in accessing transition and mental health supports, services and benefits;
  • Providing emergency financial assistance, and helping to access additional financial supports;
  • Providing assistance for families, and helping families access the eligible benefits and supports.
• Financial Assistance: The Legion provides financial assistance to serving and former CAF members, RCMP, and their families who are in financial distress. Grants are available for the following: food, heating, clothing, prescription medication, medical appliances and equipment, essential home repairs and emergency shelter or assistance. Smaller comforts can also be provided to Veterans and surviving spouses who are hospitalized.
• Mental Health and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):The Legion's Service Officer Network can guide and help you access the supports you and your families identify and access the resources and support your need.
• Homeless Veterans: Trained Legion Command Service Officers can assist with the following:
  • Finding suitable accommodation: Working closely with VAC, shelters and community organizations to get Veterans off the street and into temporary and/or long term accommodations;
  • Financial Assistance: The Poppy Fund can provide, housing support through financial assistance for items such as first and last month’s rent, rental arrears, and furnishings; and
  • In addition, Legion Branches and Commands across the country support numerous initiatives that help homeless and near homeless Veterans in their communities. From conducting outreach programs, to working with local organizations and first responders to identify and refer Veterans to the Legion, to supporting housing and food banks, Legion members are the boots on the ground, helping homeless and near homeless Veterans get the support they need.
• Support for Families: The Legion understands the challenges military families face, and the sacrifices they may endure, and they strive to support these family members (spouse by marriage or common-law, child of a Veteran under the age of 18 or in university/college to age 25 and/or child of a Veteran, who was incapacitated prior to the age of 21 and declared as a dependant of the Veteran) through a range of programs and referral services such as:
  • Assistance in accessing benefits and supports through VAC;
  • Support and referrals for assistance with a Veteran adjusting to civilian life;
  • Emergency financial assistance;
  • Referrals for mental health support and services;
  • Provide assistance and supports for independent living; and
  • Support in accessing funeral and burial services for a Veteran.
• Free, one-year Legion membership to welcome Veterans to the Legion: The Legion is pleased to offer a free one-year Legion membership for still serving or retired CAF members who have not previously been a member of the Legion. This includes a subscription to the Legion Magazine and access to the member benefit programs.

For additional information related to the Legion and their services, and to get you one-year Legion membership, visit the Royal Canadian Legion page.

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