Postvention Guide for CAF Leadership

When tragedy strikes, informed, compassionate leadership can make all the difference. The “Postvention Guide for CAF Leadership” is a comprehensive resource from the Department of National Defence, designed to help Canadian Armed Forces leaders respond effectively after a suicide or suicide attempt within their ranks. This guide explains the principles of postvention, offers practical steps for supporting affected individuals and units, and emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication, privacy, and ongoing support. Leaders at all levels will find actionable advice for navigating notification, supporting survivors, and fostering resilience in the face of loss, ensuring that no one faces the aftermath alone. The guide also includes recommended language to reduce stigma, outlines key leadership actions, and provides links to support services and resources for both Regular and Reserve Force members. The guide is available as a webpage and a downloadable PDF resource.

Resource button
quotesArtboard 1 copy 2

Suicide prevention is complex. Command Teams and leaders at all levels may struggle with difficult situations involving CAF members where there are no easy answers or solutions. Providing guidance to CAF leadership on Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention is a priority for SPAP.

Directorate of Mental Health, Marianne Vincent, CD, MSW, RSW


Feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, need someone to listen

or need to find out how you can help someone you care about?

Please see Crisis Services

Related Posts

A professional woman talking to a military man in a meeting room.
May 2, 2025
“Postvention Practices for Military Settings” is a Short Takes on Suicide Prevention podcast episode featuring Kim Ruocco (Vice President of T.A.P.S.) and Dr. Maggie Guglielmi (Stratton VAMC).
Two women and a man talking on phones in a call centre.
May 2, 2025
Are you looking to strengthen your crisis center’s response after a suicide? The podcast episode “Postvention Practices for Crisis Centers” from the Short Takes on Suicide Prevention series is a valuable resource.
Several women are sitting in a group talking
By zerosuicide.edc.org February 11, 2025
Parents to Parents: After Your Child's Suicide Attempt is a video resource designed to support parents navigating the aftermath of a child's suicide-related crisis.
Show More