CASR

Canadian
American
Strategic
Review

New  Charter  –   Returning  Veterans  –   Treatment  –  September  2009 New  Charter  Promises  that  Veterans  Affairs  Canada  (VAC) Will  Respond  to  the  Needs  of  Veterans  and  their  Families New  Charter  for  Canadian  Veterans  addresses  Effects  of  Afghan  Mission  [ CASR  Editor:  What follows is a condensed version  of  a  recent  Government  communiqué  outlining  the  benefits of  the  2006  Veterans Charter.  Government  bureaucrats  –  much like most academics  –  often see  publishing  papers  as  equivalent  to effective  action.  Accomplishing  something   –   following  through  on  their  lofty  promises  –  is  often  beyond  their  ability.  Then,  citizens  have  to ask:  Do  they  actually   care  whether  they  deliver  on  these  promises?   If   they  do not,  then  we, as citizens,  must prod  the officials  into providing  the support promised  to our  soldiers.  All  personnel  of  the  Canadian  Forces ,  who  have  come  home  from  overseas ,  deserve our  attention. ] Veterans  Charter  –  Designed  to  help  CF  Personnel  Coming  Home  from  Afghanistan In  April  2006 ,  the new  ' Veterans  Charter came into effect – a comprehensive approach that better positions Veterans  Affairs  Canada  ( VAC )  to  respond  to  the needs of  today’s veterans and their families.  The new charter is for  personnel  and veterans of  the Canadian Forces.  The purpose ... is to help all CF personnel and their  families  as they  make their  transition  to civilian life.  The  programs  under  the  New  Veterans  Charter were developed  after the most extensive  research and consultation  process  ever undertaken  by  the depart- ment.  The  new charter offers the kind of  support and services that CF personnel, veterans, and their families told us that  they needed  to successfully  transition  to civilian  life.  These programs include: rehabilitation,  health benefits,  job placement help,  financial support,  and  disability  awards. The  New  VAC  ' Veterans  Charter '  focuses  on  the  Overall  Wellness  of  all  Veterans   While  the  VAC  programs  and  services are designed   to provide the most support  to those with the greatest   needs,  there is  something  for  everyone  through  the   ' New Veterans Charter '.  And  there  is  no  time  limit   on  our  support.  VAC  wants  to  provide  today’s  CF   service men  and  women  ( including  Reservists ) and   their  families  with  the  help  they  need  –  when  they   need  it.  Furthermore,  the  new charter  was  designed   to [grow as] a Living Charter  –  VAC  is committed  to   identifying  emerging  needs as they  become priorities   and addressing  any  potential  hindrances  that  might   interfere  with  a  successful  transition  to  civilian  life. Comprehensive Case Management Includes Choice of  Therapy  &  Rehabilitation  Programs VAC’s  'Client  Service  Teams'  are available on  bases to assist you and your family in identifying your needs early  in  your  ' release  process '.  [ Together,  we  can develop ] a  plan  to meet those needs.  ' Case manage- ment '  maximizes  choices  and  opportunities  –  for  all veterans  –  to access  [ both]  government and  [ local] community  resources.  Services  include  assessment , case  planning ,  monitoring ,  referral ,  re-assessment , and  follow - up.  A  network  of  local  experts  are able to help disabled  CF  veterans  to  re-enter  civilian  life. Staff  from  Veterans  Affairs  Canada are available on all  CF bases and wings across Canada. You  can  also  learn  more  about  VAC’s  programs  and  services  at  our   official  website.