Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes the importance of the family and its significance in the health and wellness of individuals. Established best practices recognize the importance of involving family in treatment plans, as families are, in many cases, the first source of support for veterans and are integral to successful recovery. Mental health services are intended to support veterans in becoming or remaining independently functioning in the community. The veteran's family members may be included in mental health services when the veteran's treatment or rehabilitation plan has established that doing so is required in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes for the veteran's condition.
Veterans Affairs Canada offers families a wide range of mental health services. The Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service is a consultation and referral service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service is for veterans, former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families, and caregivers and is provided at no cost. In addition, peer support coordinators for families across the country can put the family member in touch with peer support groups. A two-day course on mental health first aid for the veteran community is tailored to address the immediate mental health needs of veterans and the people who care for, and about, them.
Many online tools have been developed to help caregivers, such as the Operational Stress Injury Resource for Caregivers, a self-directed tool designed for caregivers and families of Canadian Armed Forces members or veterans living with an operational stress injury. The mobile application PTSD Coach Canada is a dependable resource when used together with professional medical treatment. Furthermore, a new online tool for caregivers is currently being developed in collaboration with Saint Elizabeth Health Care, in response to recommendations to do more to help veterans' caregivers.
With the knowledge of the fact that when veterans experience difficulty with transition, it is likely that the family also faces challenges and requires support, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces implemented a pilot project in October 2015. The veteran family program includes access to services available through the military family resource centres. The program also provides access to the 24-7, phone-based family information line and the familyforce.ca website, now updated to CAFconnection.ca website. As of April 1, 2018, these services will become available to all medically releasing members and their families.
Partners of transitioning members are welcome to attend second career assistance network sessions as well as transition interviews with a releasing member. For those who are unable to transition successfully, Veterans Affairs Canada's rehabilitation services and vocational assistance program provides eligible veterans and their spouses or survivors with medical, psychosocial, and/or vocational services.
As of June 30, 2017, 196 spouses or survivors benefited from rehabilitation services. These vocational supports may include help to identify suitable employment, job search skills, resumé development, and financial support for training and related costs.
In conclusion, Veterans Affairs Canada recognizes the importance of the family as a veteran's most important ally on the path to transition.
I want to note that every veteran and family's situation is different. However, one unifying experience is the major life change that results from the journey to life after service. Veterans Affairs Canada needs to be there when they need us. The most successful transition occurs when a veteran has a positive state of well-being, a balance of financial, mental, spiritual, physical, and social factors. Financial security is critical. The family plays a key role in supporting a veteran throughout their journey, and Veterans Affairs Canada continues to find more ways to provide support and services to families in recognition of their role in supporting the veteran.
Thank you again for the invitation to speak to you today. I very much appreciate the opportunity to support the work of your committee and to consider what it may hold for the future of Canada's service to veterans and their families in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and sacrifice.