Military life is rewarding, but can also be challenging. Between frequent relocations and deployments, military families have to adjust to new communities, transport children and belongings across the country, and worry about the safety of loved ones away on deployment. When you have a family member with special needs, you want to be confident that you have the support and services you need to manage these challenges with as little additional stress as possible. Enrolling in and becoming comfortable with your Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can make your family's life much easier.
What is the EFMP?
The EFMP supports military families with special medical and educational needs. The program has three components:
- Identification and enrollment. When a family member with special medical and/or educational needs is identified, those needs are documented through enrollment in the EFMP. This allows medical and educational personnel to review the availability of important resources in projected assignment locations.
- Assignment coordination. Assignment coordination is important because access to medical and educational services may be limited in some locations, especially in overseas and remote areas. Personnel command requests medical and/or educational professionals to determine the availability of services at a projected location to ensure that family members receive the care and support they require. Through assignment coordination, the service member can focus more clearly on mission-related responsibilities.
- Family support. EFMP family support helps families identify and access programs and services. Family support includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- information and referral for military and community services
- education and training about issues related to the special need
- referral to other family support center providers
- local school and early intervention services (EIS) information
- warm handoffs to the EFMP at the next location
- non-clinical case management, including individualized services plans
Who should enroll?
Family members with special medical or educational needs, including a spouse, child, or a dependent adult, should enroll in the program. This includes family members who
- require special medical services for a chronic condition such as asthma, attention deficit disorder, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- receive ongoing services from a medical specialist
- have significant behavioral health concerns
- receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP) or EIS
Why enroll in the EFMP?
EFMP enrollment ensures that your family member's documented medical and educational needs are considered during the assignment process. It also allows families to receive the support and assistance they need to navigate medical and educational systems.
How do I enroll in the EFMP?
Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for active duty military members; members of the Guard or Reserves may enroll according to Service-specific guidance. Paperwork required for enrollment in the EFMP is available from the EFMP medical point of contact at the installation military treatment facility (MTF) or, in the Marine Corps, from Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). Here are the forms you will need to enroll:
- DD Form 2792, Family Member Medical Summary. In order to document medical needs, the service member, spouse, or adult family member completes the first page. The remainder is completed by the family member’s physician or other qualified medical professional, and includes the diagnosis, frequency of care, medication, and any special accommodations required by the family member.
- DD Form 2792-1, Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary. In order to document educational needs, the sponsor, parent, or legal guardian completes items one through seven of the first page. The remainder of the form is completed by school or early intervention program personnel. The form includes the child's educational diagnosis and is accompanied by a copy of the IEP or individual family service plan (IFSP).
After the appropriate medical and/or educational provider completes the form, they must be returned to the EFMP medical point of contact.
Where are EFMP family support providers located?
EFMP family support providers are primarily located at installation family support centers. For families who are not located near an installation, consult your Service website for more information about accessing services or call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.
Reach out to your EFMP today and get the support and education you need to empower your entire family!