What about the families? Building a research ecosystem for defence and public safety families- Partnership Grant Stage 2

Families of defence and public safety (DPS) personnel in Canada face significant challenges. These occupations come with substantial risks and demands that have far-reaching impacts on the families. DPS families experience high levels of stress due to factors like unpredictable and prolonged absences, frequent relocations, disrupted access to healthcare and education, and the constant need to adapt to the unique logistics of their loved one’s work. Despite the critical role these families play in supporting the operational readiness and service sustainability of DPS sectors, they have been largely invisible and lack evidence-based support and training. There is a need to recognize DPS families as distinct entities with their own experiences, needs, and issues, rather than just extensions of the serving personnel. In response, the proposed project aims to create a collective impact network that facilitates recognition and addresses the unique needs of DPS families, informed by their lived experiences. This network will bring together families, researchers, service providers, and government partners to amplify the voices of DPS families, set research priorities, generate knowledge, and enhance research capacity to optimize individual and collective wellbeing. The partnership is built on strong existing relationships and a shared commitment to collaboration, aiming to fill the critical gap in family-centered, occupation-specific knowledge and support for DPS families.