All,
I received this document this morning and spoke with Nishika Jardine (OVO) and the summary looks at benefits for family members who are affected by mental health issues. As you read through this and you feel something needs clarification please ask. My concern with our Veterans and families is for those living in isolated & Rural areas who as a community may or do not have access to mental health professionals. Also, in the case of Indigenous Peoples we need to clarify the definition of family. I know that in some communities families are inclusive of Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles etc. In any case if you think of anything please send it to me. I am preparing a letter to address problems of communication for Indigenous communities and how we can improve VAC participation in rectifying the issue.
Miigwetch, Marsee. Merci, Qujannamiik, All our Relations
Bob
Veterans Ombudsman des Veterans
*Le français suit*
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
Report on Mental Health Treatment Benefits for Family Members, In Their Own Right, for Conditions Related to Military Service
What was this investigation about?
Recognizing that barriers continue to exist for family members of Veterans seeking access to mental health treatment benefits, the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman (OVO) investigated and prepared a formal report on this matter. Building on our previous recommendation in 2016 to provide mental health treatment benefits to family members in their own right, this report provides evidence indicating that a Veteran’s service can have a mental health impact for some spouses and children. VAC provides limited mental health treatment to spouses and children, but only when their treatment is linked to the treatment plan of the Veteran, effectively creating a barrier for those family members to the mental health care they are due. Families – spouses and children who are experiencing mental health issues as a direct result of being part of a military family should have independent access to treatment benefits.
What did the investigation involve?
The investigation involved an in-depth examination of existing studies, reports, policies, legislation and regulations, evaluations, and statistics. It assessed the impact that the unique conditions and challenges of military service may have on families, including frequent relocations and postings, separations due to deployment and the risks inherent in military service.
What did the investigation find?
Families should have barrier-free access to mental health treatment benefits when their condition is connected military service.
