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A family’s transition to life after service

A family’s transition to life after service

Transition is an ongoing process with its own particular challenges. This life change not only affects the person who has served, but also other members of the family. Statistics show that 28 percent of partners and 17 percent of children of Veterans find this period of change to be tough.

The 2016 Life After Service Survey shows that 28 percent of partners and 17 percent of children of Veterans find this period of change to be tough. Various factors contribute to a family’s transition—positive or otherwise. Financial stability and community integration are among them. If you and your family need guidance during transition, you are not alone. Here are four programs and services that may be of interest.

Operational Stress Injury Social Support

Operational Stress Injury Social Support is a peer support network for the families of members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Veterans experiencing operational stress injuries. You and your family can connect to a community of people with similar experiences. A family peer support coordinator can get you started.

Military Family Resource Centres

Military Family Resource Centres provide services that empower military families. These centres are located on CAF bases and wings across Canada. Employees at Military Family Resource Centres are frontline service providers, responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services. For transitioning families of medically-released CAF members, the Veteran Family Program is accessible through the centres. A program coordinator will work with you to develop a tailored plan. You can call or visit your local Military Family Resource Centre to connect with a coordinator.

The Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada's largest Veteran-support organization. The non-profit provides Veterans and their families with transition support, emergency financial assistance and referrals for health services. The Legion's local branches also offer health clinics, seminars and scholarships. You can contact a Legion Command Service Officer for more information.

Canadian Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Canadian Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Services partners with VAC to support Veterans with service-related injuries or illnesses. Veterans and their family members who qualify can take part in the program through a referral from VAC. To determine if you or your partner qualify, call 866-522-2122.

For more information on other programs, services and resources available for families, visit veterans.gc.ca.

Date published: 2018-10-10

Further reading

Shaping the future

Art can be a way to self-express and find meaningful purpose during the transition to life after military service. Lynette Peters helps Veterans navigate this transition through craft.

Veteran success story: Melanie St-Jean

"The Transition Lifeshops retreat was very therapeutic for us women Veterans. It enabled us to share, let our guards down and be vulnerable," says Melanie St-Jean.

Making a real difference

Since 2018, the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund has helped organizations start up innovative programs that are helping improve the lives of Veterans across Canada.

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