PTSD 101 Core Curriculum
What is PTSD? http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/ptsd/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1477&courseCode=PTSD101-02
The course What is PTSD? provides an overview of PTSD. The author outlines the history of the diagnosis and the current DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria, which includes a detailed description of each symptom cluster. Prevalence rates, course, comorbidity, and risk factors for both civilian and veteran populations are reported from the National Comorbidity Study and other recent investigations.
Author: Jessica Hamblen, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe the diagnostic criteria for PTSD
2. Describe the prevalence, consequences, and longitudinal course of PTSD in civilian and veteran populations
3. Report the risk factors for PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Assessment http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/Assessment2/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1478&courseCode=PTSD101-03
The course Assessment of PTSD outlines the necessary components for quality PTSD assessments and reports. Presented is an integrated model of risk factors, stressors, resiliency, and PTSD symptoms as it relates to assessment. The author discusses multimethod and dimensional assessment, as well as the evaluation of comorbid conditions, quality of life, and personality functioning.
Author: Terry Keane, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Outline the necessary components of a thorough PTSD assessment and report
2. Describe important documents used to gather background and supportive information for the diagnosis of PTSD
3. Understand how neuropsychological assessment can assist the diagnostic process
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/Psychotherapies/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1480&courseCode=PTSD101-06
This online course, Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapies for PTSD, outlines the components and empirical support for two evidence-based treatments: Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). An interactive learning tool and case examples with audio excerpts help further a provider's understanding of these treatments.
Author: Candice Monson, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of CPT and PE
2. Describe the components of CPT and PE
3. Report the evidence for the use of these treatments for PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Overview of the VA/DoD 2010 Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/CPG_Overview/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1520&courseCode=PTSD101_cpg_overview
The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the newly revised (2010) VA/DoD clinical practice guideline recommendations for PTSD. The presenter describes the evidence behind the recommendations for psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy and also reviews the changes made from the previous 2004 version, including recommendations for treating co-occurring conditions.
Author: Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Review changes between 2004 and 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
2. Describe the evidence for the psychotherapy recommendations
3. Describe the evidence for the pharmacotherapy recommendations
4. Describe recommendations for treating complex comorbid conditions and symptoms
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Pharmacological Treatment http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/Pharmacological/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1537&courseCode=PTSD101-01
Pharmacological interventions for PTSD are common, and considerable research has been conducted on the effectiveness of such treatment. The course, Pharmacological Treatment of PTSD and Comorbid Disorders, provides a review of the human stress system and the relationship between neurotransmitters and PTSD.
It reviews controlled medication trials for PTSD and summarizes the relative evidence for psychotherapy versus pharmacological interventions. The author also discusses current practices for combining treatments and for managing comorbid conditions.
Author: Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD
1. Understand how the human stress system is altered by PTSD
2. Describe how these alterations indicate the usefulness of certain medications
3. Report the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of different medications for PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Goals and Objectives
Friday, February 1, 2013
PTSD 101 Core Curriculum
PTSD 101 Beyond the Basics
PTSD 101 Beyond the Basics
Looking for more detailed information about treating PTSD? These courses explore advanced topics.
Advanced Clinical Practice
Deepen your understanding of PTSD treatment with advanced courses taught by expert clinicians.
Recommendations for Acute Stress Management and Prevention of PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/acute_stress/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1566&courseCode=PTSD101_watson_pfa
VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline Series (2010)
The course, Recommendations for Acute Stress Management and Prevention of PTSD, provides an overview of the Clinical Practice Guideline for acute stress management and prevention of PTSD. The author reviews the literature supporting interventions for acute stress and describes two specific protocols: Psychological First Aid and Stress First Aid.
Author: Patricia Watson, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Summarize the recommendations in the VA DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD (2010) for management of acute stress and prevention of PTSD
2. Describe the evidence-informed principles underlying the intervention strategies of Psychological First Aid and Stress First Aid
3. Describe the basic objectives and intervention strategies of Psychological First Aid and Stress First Aid
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Cognitive Processing Therapy http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/CPT/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1568&courseCode=PTSD101_cpt
VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline Series (2010)
This presentation provides an overview of the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Cognitive Processing Therapy as a Level A psychotherapy intervention for PTSD.
The author carefully reviews the research support for Cognitive Processing Therapy and provides information about delivering the treatment.
Author: Kathleen Chard, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Summarize the VA/DoD 2010 Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD related to Cognitive Processing Therapy
2. Review the empirical evidence supporting Cognitive Processing Therapy
3. Describe and demonstrate the clinical application of Cognitive Processing Therapy
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/prolonged_exposure/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1521&courseCode=PTSD101_pe
VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline Series (2010)
This presentation describes the clinical application of Prolonged Exposure (PE) and provides a thorough review of research supporting its use for PTSD.
The author also reviews the 2010 VA/DoD Guideline recommendation for the use of PE with patients who have PTSD.
Author: Sheila Rauch, PhD, ABPP
Goals and Objectives
1. Summarize the Veteran's Affairs / Department of Defense (DoD) 2010 Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD related to Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
2. Review the empirical evidence supporting PE
3. Describe and demonstrate the clinical application of PE
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Stress Inoculation Training http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/emdr/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1533&courseCode=PTSD101_emdr-sit
VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline Series (2010)
The purpose of this course is to review the VA/DoD 2010 clinical practice guideline recommendations regarding EMDR and SIT for PTSD.
The presenter provides an overview of the components of each treatment and presents the research evidence behind these models for PTSD.
Author: Joe Ruzek, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Summarize the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations for EMDR and SIT
2. Describe EMDR and the research literature supporting its use for PTSD
3. Describe SIT and the research literature supporting its use for PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
Increasing Effectiveness of PTSD Treatments http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/PTSD_Treatment/player.html
This course addresses how to increase the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, particularly in difficult cases and situations. The author presents how to decide who is appropriate for evidence-based treatment using assessment. She discusses common barriers to effective delivery of PTSD treatment and provides solutions to overcome these barriers.
Author: Kathleen M. Chard, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Understand the limitations of evidence-based therapy for PTSD
2. Identify and address potential treatment-interfering behaviors
3. Develop strategies for managing complex cases
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Overcoming Barriers http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/downloads/audio/murphy-rosen_barriers_a.zip
The course Overcoming Barriers to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment Engagement reviews strategies for improving PTSD patients' motivation to engage in treatment and to change long-standing maladaptive ways of coping with PTSD symptoms. Topics reviewed include behaviors that PTSD patients are often ambivalent about changing, roadblocks to admitting need to change, overview of a PTSD motivation enhancement group, treatment-related beliefs (fears and expectancies), and therapeutic alliance factors.
Author: Ronald Murphy, PhD (biography unavailable) and Craig Rosen, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Identify reasons why patients may be reluctant to change long-standing behaviors
2. Outline key elements of the PTSD Motivation Enhancement Group
3. Articulate common differences between clients' and therapists' perspectives and assumptions that may impede effective treatment
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Couples and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/couples_therapy/player.html
This presentation provides an overview of the research documenting the association between PTSD and intimate relationship problems.
The rationale and methods for including partners and loved ones in the assessment and treatment of PTSD are also discussed.
Author: Candice Monson, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Review research documenting association between PTSD and intimate relationship problems
2. Discuss inclusion of partners in the assessment of PTSD and relationship functioning
3. Review different methods of incorporating significant others in PTSD treatment
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Group Treatment for PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/group/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1527&courseCode=PTSD101_group
This presentation describes the clinical application of group therapy for PTSD and carefully evaluates the research support for group therapy.
The authors also review the recommendations provided by the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD regarding the use of group therapy for PTSD.
Author: Denise M. Sloan, PhD and Tracie Shea, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe group therapy for PTSD
2. Describe the important methodological factors to consider when evaluating clinical trial research on group treatment for PTSD
3. Evaluate the available research for group treatment
4. Review the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for group treatment for PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/ACTherapy/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1468&courseCode=PTSD101_act
The purpose of this PTSD 101 course is to describe the theoretical underpinnings and clinical application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as it could be applied to PTSD.
The presenters also describe the limited empirical support for delivering ACT to persons with PTSD and discuss the need for more research.
Author: Robyn Walser, PhD and Sonja Batten, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Overview and theoretical underpinnings
2. Review the state of the evidence
3. Explore the six core processes used in ACT and introduce their clinical application
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
PTSD 101 Comorbidities and Complications
PTSD 101 Comorbidities and Complications
The presence of co-occurring conditions can increase the complexity of treating patients with PTSD. These courses address conditions that commonly go hand-in-hand with PTSD.
Anger, Aggression and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/Anger/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1505&courseCode=PTSD101_anger
This course provides a review of the literature that describes the prevalence of anger and aggression in patients with PTSD and the interaction between anger and PTSD symptoms.
The author reviews the 2010 VA/DoD Guideline for treating anger and PTSD and describes a clinical application.
Author: Casey Taft, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Understand the association between PTSD and anger/aggression
2. Review the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations for treating anger and PTSD
3. Describe a clinical application for Anger, Aggression, and PTSD: Strength at Home
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Functional Impairment and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/functional_impairment/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1534&courseCode=PTSD101_functional-impairment
In this PTSD 101 course, the presenter aims to help providers understand the interaction between PTSD and functional impairment and make informed decisions when choosing assessment measures.
The course also reviews the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline (2010) recommendations for assessing functional impairment in people with PTSD.
Author: Brian P. Marx, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Understand how PTSD impacts quality of life
2. Identify the VA/DoD 2010 Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations for assessing PTSD-related functional impairment
3. Examine measures that assess psychosocial functioning among those with PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
Managing PTSD and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/SUD/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1556&courseCode=PTSD101_sud
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the VA/DoD 2010 clinical practice guideline recommendations for managing substance use disorders and PTSD through psychotherapy and pharmacology.
The presenters describe the co-occurrence of these conditions and identify evidence-based assessment and treatment strategies.
Author: Daniel Kivlahan, PhD and Debra Kaysen, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Review evidence on co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and PTSD
2. Identify key recommendations for integrated psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment of SUD and PTSD from the VA/DoD 2010 PTSD Guideline
3. Identify measures and methods for treatment monitoring related to PTSD and SUD
4. Illustrate ways of addressing substance abuse in PTSD treatment
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
Physical Health Effects http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/downloads/audio/schnurr_physical_health_a.zip
The course Physical Health Effects of Traumatic Exposure provides a review of the physical health effects of traumatic exposure. Research findings from both civilian and military populations are featured. The author illustrates how a person's reaction--PTSD especially--mediates the effect of exposure and that there are plausible mechanisms through which PTSD could promote health.
Author: Paula P. Schnurr, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Report the effects of trauma on physical health
2. Relate the latest research findings related to the effects of traumatic exposure on the health of civilians and military Veterans
3. Predict plausible mechanisms through which PTSD could promote poor health
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Sleep Problems, Insomnia, and PTSD http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/sleep/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1535&courseCode=PTSD101_sleep
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the VA/DoD 2010 clinical practice guideline recommendations for managing sleep problems and PTSD.
The presenters describe primary sleep disorders and comorbid conditions, as well as a general approach and evidence-based pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy interventions to treat these issues.
Author(s): Bruce Capehart, MD, MBA, and Jason DeViva, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Review the 2010 VA/DoD PTSD Clinical Practice Guideline recommendations for medical management of insomnia
2. Identify three comorbid conditions and three primary sleep disorders likely to affect sleep in Veterans with PTSD
3. Describe the evidence base for three pharmacotherapies and three psychotherapies in the treatment of sleep problems related to PTSD
4. Describe a general approach to assessing and treating sleep problems associated with PTSD
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Coming soon.
Integrated Smoking Cessation and PTSD Treatment http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/smoking_cessation/Player/launchPlayer.html?courseID=1484&courseCode=PTSD101-10
This presentation is meant to provide an overview of the negative effects of smoking, particularly on Veterans with PTSD, and to help providers understand the rationale for providing tobacco cessation treatment to patients.
The authors describe the rationale and evidence for integrating smoking cessation into PTSD treatment and provide an overview of psychological and pharmacological interventions.
Author: Miles McFall, PhD and Andrew J. Saxon, MD
Goals and Objectives
1. Provide a rationale for tobacco cessation as a health care priority for Veterans with PTSD
2. Understand the reasons and evidence for an integrated care approach for smoking cessation among smokers with PTSD
3. Describe psychological and pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Traumatic Brain Injury http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/TBI/player.html
The course Windows to the Brain: Neuropsychiatry of TBI examines the functional anatomy of emotion, memory, and behavior circuits, using graphics and figures. The author discusses types of injuries and common functioning deficits, as well as prevalence rates of TBI in OEF/OIF veterans. A discussion of PTSD and TBI is also provided, as well as an overview of assessment and treatment.
Author: Robin A. Hurley, MD, FANPA
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe the functional anatomy of emotion, memory, and behavior circuits
2. Report common functioning deficits in civilian brain injury
3. Describe up-to-date assessment and treatment of TBI
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
PTSD 101 Specific Populations - Military Issues
PTSD 101 Specific Populations - Military Issues
Combat Stress Injuries http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/downloads/audio/nash_combat_stress_a.zip
The course Combat Stress Injuries examines the common stressors of operational military deployments, from the merely annoying through the potentially devastating, and places such experiences in their context defined by military cultural values and identity. The normal process of adaptation to stress is described, and it is contrasted with the injuries that can be inflicted on the mind and brain when adaptive capacities are exceeded. The three major mechanisms of stress injury are listed, and the effects of one of them (traumatic stress) are described in detail.
Author: William P. Nash, MD
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe the major stressors of combat and operational military deployments, and of subsequent homecoming
2. Describe the two main reasons for the gap between relatively frequent adverse stress responses during deployment and relatively mental health diagnosis and treatment after deployment
3. Describe the three tactics of normal adaptation to stress, and the normal time course for adaptation and re-adaptation
4. Describe the differences between normal adaptive responses to stress and those that are symptomatic of a stress injury, and list the three common mechanisms of stress injury
5. Describe the major components of traumatic stress injuries, and the nature of the biological and psychosocial damage such injuries entail
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Understanding Military Culture http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/flash-files/Military_Culture/player.html
Understanding military culture is important when treating Veterans. This course presents important information regarding military demographics, branches, rank, status, and stressors. The author provides useful terminology and visuals to help the viewer understand military culture.
Two programs created to help service members prevent and manage combat and operational stress are also described, Army Battlemind and Marine Corps Combat Operational Stress Continuum. Finally, additional Army and Marine Corps interventions are discussed, as well as assessment and treatment implications for clinicians.
Author: Patricia J. Watson, PhD
Goals and Objectives
1. Describe military terms and demographics
2. Discuss stressors in the military
3. Report programs offered by DoD relevant to combat and operational stress
4. Describe implications of military culture for clinicians
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Read the brochure (PDF) required for this course, which lists specialties that may receive credit. See more on CE Credits.
Peter MacKay At A Loss To Explain How He Plans To Break Bureaucratic Logjam Over Forced Moves For Military Families
Peter MacKay At A Loss To Explain How He Plans To Break Bureaucratic Logjam Over Forced Moves For Military Families
Lee Berthiaume of Postmedia has this story:
Defence Minister Peter MacKay on Wednesday defended steps taken by National Defence to ensure military families aren’t being forced to swallow huge financial losses after being ordered to move to new cities and bases.
But MacKay didn’t explain how he planned to break the bureaucratic logjam that has left dozens of military families out in the cold, prompting opposition questions about the government’s interest in helping those in need.
Canada’s military ombudsman, Peter Daigle, told the Ottawa Citizen in a recent interview that National Defence has a backlog of about 212 complaints for the military’s grievance process, with the majority related to forced moves.
Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/life/MacKay+defends+military+family+compensation/7896916/story.html#ixzz2JYZ75fWL
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
New announcement: No federal support for care of decorated veteran (Federal Residential Care)
CTV London
Published Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 6:41PM EST
Last Updated Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 6:42PM EST
Read more: http://london.ctvnews.ca/no-federal-support-for-care-of-decorated-veteran-1.1135053#ixzz2JQs2hwqf
Neil Russell served Canada as a senior pilot in the armed forces for more than 30 years, but eligibility rules mean he's struggling to find a long-term care spot.
The colonel served from 1952 to 1985, flying missions in eastern Europe at the peak of the Cold War. He was a senior Canadian commander, but now he's about to be out in the cold.
The wheelchair-bound veteran can't be cared for at home, but eligibility rules put in place by Veterans Affairs Canada 30 years ago mean he doesn't qualify for a bed in the federal Residential Care Program for veterans.
That's because veterans of the Cold War don't qualify, so Russell is expected to be released from hospital any day now.
But after a recent surgery Russell says "I can't stand or walk and moreover I've severed the tendons in both shoulders so my shoulders are painful and I have limited use of my arms…I'm really in a tough place."
He relies on his motorized wheelchair and a mechanical lift to get him in and out of bed.
"I don't have any place to go right now, I would love to get into the veterans' wing at Parkwood Hospital here and my doctors have written supporting that, saying that is the ideal place for me."
Parkwood has 37 empty beds, but can't admit him because Veterans Affairs Canada only pays for the long-term care of veterans of the First World War, Second World War and Korean War.
That leaves him with no place to go, as other long-term care facilities have year-long waiting lists.
London-Fanshawe NDP MP Irene Mathyssen says "The federal government has made it clear that they will not support nor pay for these beds and that these modern day veterans do not have a right of access."
Russell has wrttien Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney asking him to grant him access to a bed at Parkwood until there's room in a civilian facility, but was turned down.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the minister said "It's unfortunate that every time we present measures in the House to improve Veteran's benefits, NDP members vote against each and every one of these."
Russell says he's all for the government saving money, but doesn't think it should happen on the backs of veterans.
Mathyssen says "I would like to see the federal government say 'We made a mistake, change the mandate,' and say that it is the nation, it is the federal government that will take responsibility for the care and support of all veterans."
Had Russell been directly injured in combat, he would be granted access to the Residential Care Program. But while many think his back problems originated in his days piloting fighter jets, he still doesn't qualify.
Read more: http://london.ctvnews.ca/no-federal-support-for-care-of-decorated-veteran-1.1135053#ixzz2JQsEyBeE
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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
New announcement: Ombudsman says DND must rethink relocation policies for thousands of military pe
Grievances rise over real estate losses and other costs of moving soldiers
By KATHRYN MAY, Ottawa Citizen January 29, 2013 9:03 PM
OTTAWA — Canada's military ombudsman is calling for the Department of National Defence to re-examine its long-standing practice of sending thousands of military personnel to new postings every year, including the relocation policies to manage those moves.
Pierre Daigle said the military should rethink how often it needs to transfer soldiers and uproot their families as part of its "operational requirements." He said moving 20 per cent of the forces every year is expensive for taxpayers and can impose major personal and financial hardships on military families.
"Why do we move people so much and how many times do we have to move?" said Daigle in an interview. "Yes, they need operational capacity and people have to be moved, but when they are moved for operational requirements, it is not their choice where they have to go so to they shouldn't be paying for it and that's where we see the unfairness that needs to be addressed."
Daigle's call comes at a time when his office and the department are facing a rising number of complaints are about the cost of transfers on families. He has been visiting bases across the country and said the financial burden of moving is a big complaint.
Some families are losing money because of the cooling of the housing market or they are selling into a depressed local market. Some say the problems are caused by unclear policies and the government becoming more rigid and inflexible in the interpretation of policies when it comes to reimbursing expenses and other costs of transfers.
These issues will be the centrepiece of Daigle's major study into the family life of Canada's military. Transfers are one of the biggest stresses on families which can face moves half a dozen times or more over the course of a military career. The study will include a review of some of the policies under the Canadian Forces Integrated Relocation Program (IRP).
The landmark study into the "Quality of Life" in the military was done by the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs (SCONDVA) in 1999. That report had 88 sweeping recommendations, many aimed at improving pay and benefits, which set the standard for years.
That report also led to the creation of the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) in 1999 to ensure military and other public servants are moved with minimal disruption to their lives. The program has been tweaked over the years but the overall approach has remained unchanged.
Relocating federal employees costs the government an estimated $500 million a year — on top of what it pays moving companies to move furniture and household possessions. The government relocates about 18,000 federal employees a year and military moves account for about 85 per cent of those moves. The cost of the average move ranges between $20,000 for a tenant and $35,000 for a homeowner.
The IRP contract has been dogged by controversy since the 2002 contract went off the rails. The 2004 contract is now at the centre of a $62-million lawsuit.
DND has a backlog of about 1,500 complaints about benefits and another 212 complaints in the queue for the military's grievance process. Most of the grievances are over moving.
Daigle said the biggest complaints are over the IRP's Door-to-Door and Home Equity Assistance policies. But he said military personnel are also feeling the economic pinch of rising rents for at private military quarters.
Some of the expenses that used to be allowed for military personnel separated from their families when on "imposed restriction" are being cut back. Most recently, the department announced that it will no longer be picking up the cost of mortgage insurance, or penalties to break a mortgage for homeowners being transferred. This is partly to encourage the use of portable mortgages.
Daigle appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff Tom Lawson to ask Treasury Board to review the controversial home equity assistance policy, which has left military families swallowing big losses on the sale of their homes when being transferred. The Canadian Forces Grievance Board recently made the same recommendation.
The program, aimed at protecting military from losing money on their homes when relocating, will cover 80 per cent of all losses to a maximum of $15,000. It will, however, cover 100 per cent of losses if the home is located in a "depressed" market. The problem is Treasury Board determines what is a depressed market, and military personnel have to argue their case.
The dispute is over the definitions of "depressed" and "community." The policy says a community where the housing market dropped more than 20 per cent is depressed. Treasury Board documents show 146 families have applied for the full compensation and all were denied. Treasury Board doesn't consider any market in Canada "depressed."
Yet Daigle said people have faced equity losses on their home up to $80,000. A big concern is that Treasury Board is using Statistics Canada's "census metropolitan areas" to define a community, rather than markets in smaller towns and villages, when determining a depressed market.
The Chief of Defence Staff has supported the grievances of some soldiers who have been affected by this tug of war with Treasury Board over the definition of depressed market.
A big flaw in the grievance process, however, is that the Chief of Defence Staff has no financial authority to settle financial claims even for exceptional cases. The CDS's lack of financial authority has been flagged as an issue since a 2003 report on military justice by Antonio Lamer, former chief justice of the Supreme Court and later by a Senate committee. The issue is currently being assessed.
In an email, DND officials say financial losses and gains are risks military personnel face when they move to bases in diverse markets and the home equity program is aimed at helping to offset losses.
"Ultimately CAF members make a personal decision on where they will reside within the area they are posted to and whether they will rent or invest in the real estate market," the department said in an email.
Daigle's family report, expected in summer, will examine all aspects of uprooting families, including education, health care, employment opportunities and obstacles for military spouses.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
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Regards,
The Canadian Veterans Advocacy Team.