Access to books and videotapes pertaining
to disabilities
|
Advocates for the family receive timely and
appropriate
services
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Provides on and off post resource
information
|
|
Coordinates appropriate respite care arrangements
|
What is
the Exceptional Family Member Program?
 The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment
program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide
comprehensive, housing, community support, and personnel services to
families with special needs.
Who is an exceptional family member?
An exceptional family member is a family member (child or adult) with any
physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual special need (to
include autism) that
requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling.
The family members must be dependent enrolled in DEERS to be
enrolled in the EFMP. Example of special needs:
-
Asthma
-
Autism or PDD
-
Attention Deficit Disorder
(ADD) or (ADHD)
-
Diabetes (with or without
insulin)
-
Arthritis
-
Depression, Bipolar or
Schizophrenia
-
Anxiety/Phobias & Panic
Disorders
-
Learning Disabilities or
any special education services
-
High risk newborn
How does a soldier enroll in the program?
Enrollments are done on a walk-in basis. Assignment Coordination or
screening requires an appointment. The WBAMC EFMP Coordinator will assist you during the assessment,
enrollment, update and assignment coordination process. For Fort Bliss, EFMP enrollment is conducted
behind the orthopedic clinic located on the 3rd floor Bradley Bldg, William
Beaumont Army Medical Center, 569-1830/1854.
 Does enrollment have any impact on the soldier’s career?
Enrollment in EFMP does not adversely affect selection for
promotion, schools, or assignment. Information concerning enrollment
in EFMP or any of the data used in the program is not made available
to selection boards or command. The information contained in EFMP will
be used to assist in coordinating services with the gaining installation.
What are the benefits of enrollment in the program?
Enrollment allows the assignment managers at Army personnel agencies
to consider the documented medical and special education needs of
exceptional family members in the assignment process. When possible,
soldiers are assigned to an area where the medical and special
education needs of their exceptional family member can be met. This
will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the soldier’s
grade, specialty and eligibility for the tour. All soldiers are
still eligible for worldwide assignments.
Are special education needs always considered in the assignment process?
Special education needs are only considered in assignments outside
the United States. Assignments within our 50 States and Trust
Territories are not based on the educational needs of children.
Every local school system must obey public laws regarding the
provision of special education.
What EFMP services are available through the Army Community Service?
The EFMP Coordinator at ACS offers information, referral and support
services. These include information contained in our book, video and
magazine library as well as up to date internet information. They can
provide information about local and national organizations that may
provide additional information and support. EFMP also offers a monthly
newsletter, adult social opportunities and year round activities to
include the entire family. For more information contact the EFMP
Coordinator at 915-568-1343/7088. |