Enrollment allows the Army, during the assignment process, to consider the documented medical and special education needs of EFMs. 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. When possible, Soldiers are assigned to locations where the medical and special education needs of their EFM can be met.
Who is an Exceptional Member (EFM)?
An EFM is a Soldier’s immediate Family member (child or adult), regardless of age, with any physical, emotional, developmental, behavioral, mental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling on an on-going basis. The following are examples of common diagnoses for EFMP enrollment. For a more comprehensive list and detailed enrollment information, download the EFMP fact list. The provided list is not all inclusive, but only represents the most common diagnoses for enrollment.
Common Diagnoses for Enrollment:
- ADD/ADHD/ODD (if on more than one medication, have a co-morbid condition or receive any counseling)
- Allergies (if require allergy shots or follow up with an allergist more than once a year)
- Asthma/RAD (intermittent asthma NOT requiring controller medication is no longer required to be enrolled)
- Autism Spectrum/Pervasive Developmental Disorders/Developmental Delays (may also require educational enrollment)
- Cancer (unless patient has completed treatments, is in remission > 5 years, and is requiring no further follow up)
- Cervical Dysplasia/Abnormal Pap Smear (if requires pap smears 2x/year or greater or requires colposcopy)
- Diabetes (all insulin dependent diabetes and any non-insulin dependent requiring frequent or specialist follow up)
- Equipment (e.g. g-tube, oxygen, ventilator, home nebulizer, CPAP, apnea monitor, home dialysis, wheelchair or other mobility aid, splints, braces, orthotics; for insulin pump, hearing aid, pacemaker-include brand and model number)
- Mental Health Conditions (Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia, etc, All must be enrolled who have been treated with medication or received therapy within the last 5 years, if required therapy > six months).
- Ostomies/Shunts/Prosthetics (any artificial openings that must be maintained, any artificial body parts)
- Premature or High Risk Infants (delivered at less than 36 weeks, those who required extended oxygen support or assisted ventilation, admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or readmission to hospital within one month)
- Special Education/Early Intervention Requirements (services required per Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP); DD Form 2792-1 to be completed by Early Intervention Program or School.
- Substance Abuse (need for Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services)
- Any other medical, psychological or educational condition should be considered if follow up by a specialist or special services are required. When in doubt, contact the
EFMP office at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, (254) 288-8099, for additional guidance. Go to this link to download PDF fill-able forms: http://efmp.amedd.army.mil/.
Full EFMP Fact Sheet Click to download.
Who must enroll in the EFMP?
The following Soldiers with exceptional Family members must enroll in the program:
- Active Army
- U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers in the USAR Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Program and any reserve component Soldiers on active duty exceeding 30 days
- Army National Guard AGR personnel serving under authority of Title 10, United States Code
Department of the Army Civilians
DA civilian employees with EFMs do not enroll in EFMP. However, they are required to identify Family members with special education and medically related service needs each time they process for an assignment to a location outside of the United States where dependent travel is authorized at Government expense.
Does Enrollment have any Impact on the Soldier’s Career?
Enrollment in EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools, or assignments. Information concerning enrollment in the EFMP or any of the data used in the program is confidential and is not made available to selection boards.
Are Special Education Needs Considered In the Military Personnel Assignment Process?
Special education needs are considered only for assignments outside of 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 provide special education faculties and facilities for students with special needs.
The Fort Hood EFMP is comprised of the ACS EFMP office, located in the Rivers Building, Building 121, T.J. Mills Boulevard and 761st Tank Battalion Avenue, and the EFMP Clinic located at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Enrollment and update enrollments are accomplished by contacting the EFMP clinic at 288-8099. Overseas screening appointments are conducted by the EFMP clinic and may be obtained by calling central appointments at 288-8888. The EFMP Medical Director and staff are located in the EFMP clinic.
The Army Community Service EFMP Office provides services that include: Information and referral, community support services, advocacy, monthly support groups, resource directory, weekly swim program, respite information, EFMP orientation, recreational and cultural activities, community support group information, resource library, and Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) meetings with Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS). All services and activities are free of charge and open to the whole Family.
“Sea Dragons” Swim Program, 287-6070
Come and Join Us!
The “Sea Dragons” is a swim program for Families with special needs and is open to the entire Family. The “Sea Dragons” meet every Friday evening from 1800 to 2000 at the Abrams Fitness Center Pool, Building 23001 on 62nd Street on Fort Hood. Army Community Service, EFMP has flotation devices available at the pool. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel and come join us!
Soldiers Clearing Fort Hood, 287-6070
Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members must clear ACS EFMP
Out processing Soldiers who have Family members enrolled in the EFMP must complete DA Form 7415 and the "Needs Assessment for Relocating Soldiers" form, and provide a copy of their orders to EFMP Staff. Additional assistance and resources are provided, as required. In addition, the EFMP staff prepares a memo to the gaining installation informing them of the Soldier's report date and possible need for assistance. EFMP staff pre-clear Soldiers who are not enrolled in the EFMP daily.
EFMP Orientation, 287-6070
Information for newly arrived or newly enrolled Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members.
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1000-1130, ACS EFMP provides an Orientation for Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members. Come out and learn more about community resources, information and referral, advocacy, and programs available for Families with special needs. The Orientation is held at Oveta Culp Hobby Soldier and Family Readiness Center, Building 18000, on Battalion Avenue, off of T.J. Mills Boulevard. Some of the programs/agencies that provide information are: Army Community Service (ACS), Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS), Killeen Independent School District, Copperas Cove Independent School District, TRICARE, Texas Rehab, ChildTeam, Family and Morale Welfare & Recreation (Family and MWR), and MetroKids. The EFMP Orientation provides information on resources (on and off post) which are available for individuals with special needs.
Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) 618-7699
SNAP evaluates health, developmental, physical, social, emotional, learning, and behavioral issues that may affect your child. We are here to help decide placement for your child, youth or teen in CYSS programs. However, it is SNAP’s philosophy and goal, when reasonable, to honor personal choices for childcare, school age services and youth services, as well as participation in recreational activities for children.
As a parent, you are a vital member of this team. Your participation is strongly encouraged and valued. The SNAP can be of greater assistance when provided with a brief history, outline of current symptoms/concerns and actions taken (rescue medicine, etc.).
During the initial enrollment or re-registration, parents will complete the SNAP Screening Form, which will be reviewed by the Army Public Health Nurse (APHN). In some cases, the Medical Action Plan (MAP) will be provided for completion by the child’s doctor, stating the diagnosis and modifications that need to be made. The MAP will be reviewed by the APHN and forwarded to EFMP staff, who will then contact parents for a SNAP appointment.
A SNAP appointment is required for placement in appropriate CYSS programs, and will be reviewed individually. Click here http://hoodmwr.com/cys_snap.htm for detailed information and forms.
Summer Camp, 287-6070
Summer Camp for children with special needs in the Greater Fort Hood Area!
The ACS EFMP, in partnership with agencies on and off post, provides a summer camp for children with special needs. The mini-camp was established to give children with special needs a time to participate in fun and safe activities with their peers. The camp objectives are to provide new opportunities, in an environment that respects the creativity of each camper, and allows them to interact with children from other backgrounds and disabilities. The summer camp focuses on building self-confidence, having fun, and community involvement. Please call the ACS EFMP Office for more information at (254) 287-6070.
EFMP Parent to Parent, “Helping Hands,” 287-6070
Sharing! Networking! Encouragement!
Would you like to be able to help support another Family with similar special needs? Parent-to-Parent support is essential for parents of children with special needs. Results are...parents don’t feel quite as isolated or lonely because they know they are not alone. Peer support is the best way to assist a Family on the journey of raising a child with special needs. Ask us about our EFMP Parent to Parent “Helping Hands” Program!
Monthly ACS EFMP Support Groups, 287-6070
EFMP Support Group “Resource Connection” meets off post on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 1830-1930 at Education Connection, 2207 Jasper Road in Killeen. Many exciting topics will be discussed throughout the year. The Resource Connection offers topics on Autism, Down Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder will also be discussed. For flyer click Here!
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Parent Education Advocacy Program (PEAP) Workshop, 287-6070.
Come learn more on being an ADVOCATE for your child or assisting another child with special needs.
The PEAP is a program to train volunteers interested in serving as an advocate in the schools for children with special needs. Workshops with guest speakers provide various topics dealing with school issues and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Come join us and have fun while learning valuable information on advocacy!
For flyer click Here!
Resource Links
