Family Care & Absences

Resources & Programs

• On-Base Services

  Do you have access to a military installation? If so, you may also have access to a Child Development Center and a variety of other on-base programs and services.

  MilitaryINSTALLATIONS is a free directory from Military OneSource that helps service members and military families find information about U.S. military installations around the world, including family support services, child care, recreation, housing, and more.

  To explore the resources available at your installation, visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS (installations.militaryonesource.mil), search for your installation, and select the program or service you're looking for.

• Child Care Search Tools
  SitterCity.com - Find local child, senior, and pet care providers that suit your families dynamics and needs. 
  
  MilitaryChildCare.com (a DoD website) - Find military-operated or military-approved child care programs worldwide, including before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps. 
  
  SummerCamps.com - Find the perfect summer camp via this one-stop hub designed to link parents to summer programs available in their local area.
  
  Macaroni Kid - Your ultimate guide to local family fun. Simply choose your community and start exploring!
• Family Care Assistance Program (FCAP)
  The Family Care Assistance Program (FCAP) provides short-term financial support to help families access care for their dependants. This support allows families to take part in opportunities that build resilience and support overall personal and family well-being.
  
  Learn more about the program >> 
• Strongest Families Institute
  A Canadian based establishment offering evidence-based, bilingual, online mental health services for children/youth, adults, and their families, when and where they need them. Please contact the MFS US Family Counsellor for a referral. 
   

  • Parents Empowering Kids (ages 3-12)
  • Chase Worries Away (ages 6-11)
  • Defeat Anxiety (ages 12-17)
  • ICAN - Adult Anxiety (ages 18+)
  • Chase Pain Away (ages 9-16)
  • Dry Nights Ahead (ages 5-12)
• Thrive - A DoD Parenting Program

  Thrive is a DoD initative created to build on parenting strength you already have and develop new skills as your child grows and changes. Thrive is a free online program for busy parents like you that includes four universal, interactive parenting modules organized by age group. 

  • Take Root (ages 0-3)
  • Sprout (ages 3-5)
  • Grow (ages 5-10)
  • Brand Out (ages 10-18)

  
  Learn more about Thrive

• Deployment & Work Related Absence Guidance

  Work-related absence (WRA) encompasses a range of situations, including deployment, temporary duty (TDY), and frequent interval separations. Each work-related absence can vary, especially when stationed OUTCAN. Ensure the success of each phase by staying prepared and informed. 

  Military OneSource
  Although deployments may look a tad different for Canadians, Military OneSource has a plethora of information for service members and their loved ones that you have access to while posted OUTCAN. Here, you’ll find task checklists, resources, and articles to help you prepare for all phases of the deployment cycle.
  
  Road to Mental Readiness
  Tailored for military families; here you'll find mental health strategies, resilience training, and support tools for managing stress before, during, and after deployment.
  
  CFMWS Deployment Resources (INCAN-centric) 
  A mix of guidance and wellness advice, deployment-specific supports, and links to external resources to help CAF members and their families navigate the emotional, practical, and administrative aspects of deployment.
• Digital Resources for Military Kids
  Sesame Street for Military Families
  For many years, colourful Sesame Street characters, like Elmo and Big Bird, have helped children learn while having fun. The DoD has drawn on these familiar friends to help children ages 2-6 through the milestones of moving, deployment, adjusting to new communities and more! 

  Hero in Training Activity Book
  Relocation your family is a challenge, exciting and busy time. We have developed the Hero in Training Activity Book, for children ages 6-8, to keep your kids occupied as you prepare for the move, travel, and settle in your new home.