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MFSP Participant Survey

Results are in for the 2008 Military Family Service Program Participant Survey

Opinions have been voiced, boxes have been filled and numbers have been tallied. The results of the 2008 Military Family Services Program (MFSP) Participant Survey are in, providing a comprehensive snapshot of how Canadian Forces (CF) families regard our current services.

Individual survey results are now on their way to each participating Canadian/Military Family Resource Centre (C/MFRC). The Summary Report attached below will complement each location’s results by adding a national frame of reference. The aggregate report will also advise Director Military Family Services (DMFS) of which service issues are occurring across the board, and where our strengths as a program shine.

The survey challenged families to “think outside the box and push the envelope” by giving their honest opinions about the MFSP. In all, 2,817 surveys were completed at 34 centres, representing 16% of the total CF family population served.

The Summary Report shows that the majority of families are happy with the services and treatment they are receiving from C/MFRCs. Two thirds or more respondents rate all of the service and support categories positively, results which were mostly consistent with the findings in the MFSP Participant Survey conducted in 2006.

Families are especially positive about the friendly and courteous attitudes of C/MFRC staff and volunteers. The vast majority say their Centres treat them respectfully and recognize their unique skills when developing programs and encouraging participation. C/MFRCs also receive high marks for providing general health and lifestyle information and for giving referrals to appropriate community services when necessary.

In addition to this positive feedback, the survey also suggested that employment transitions, childcare and crisis support are key areas for enhancement. Employment transitions in new locations were a challenge for civilian spouses in 16% of families surveyed. Finding emergency, respite or casual childcare was difficult for 13-14% of responding families. A significant minority of 10% felt they did not receive the level of crisis support their families needed. DMFS recognizes that these issues are a high priority for CF families, and CF Family Advisory Committees and Working Groups are preparing to improve existing programs to better respond to families’ needs. 

Though most of the results were consistent with the 2006 survey, family awareness of C/MFRC services fell 10 points to 77%. Making families more aware of the services available to them remains an ongoing challenge for DMFS and C/MFRCs, and we will continue looking for new ways to spread the word about the MFSP. “DMFS has been working for a few years now to develop a marketing campaign that will create awareness of the MFSP, including how accessible, reliable and flexible C/MFRC services are in order to meet the needs of CF families,” said Brian Gallant, MFSP Information Manager. “The Military Families: Strength Behind the Uniform campaign is poised to launch in the early part of 2009.”

As DMFS moves forward with its transformation initiative, the opinions gathered in the MFSP Participant Survey will provide valuable input to keep DMFS accountable to the families we serve. DMFS appreciates the C/MFRC staff members who took the time to deliver the survey at their locations and all of the families who shared their experiences. Creating and maintaining a high level of programming for CF families is a collaborative effort, and we value your contributions.

To view the 2008 MFSP Participant Survey Summary Report, click here.