Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Operating Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Commercial: 256-876-5397
DSN: 746-5397
Fax DSN: 645-9171
Commercail Fax: 256-955-9171

Contact ACS EFMP Program Manager: Natalie Taylor, Natalie.taylor@us.army.mil
Contact EFMP Medical Coordinator: Mary Marshall, mary.e.marshall@amedd.army.mil

The Exceptional Family Member Program identifies military family members with medical, educational, developmental or intellectual impairments and provides referral information for medical, educational, housing, and community and personnel support. The EFMP manager works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, educational, housing, personnel and medical services to families with special needs. The EFMP Manager also works in conjunction with the Redstone Arsenal Fox Army Health Center EFMP representative to ensure identification, screening, and enrollment for families. The EFMP manager advocates on behalf of the family concerning EFMP issues and concerns.

A variety of resources to include videos and educational brochures, are available on a check out basis and/or free to our families.

Three annual special needs events are held in conjunction with the Special Olympics Organization and the local school systems, to include 3 bowling events and a large track and field event, held in the fall.

The EFMP manager works closely with post and community resource agencies, especially the Special Education Departments, Early Intervention and the Mental Health Association, to help families get the services and support they need. Other services available include Advocacy, Support Groups, and Respite Care.

BACKGROUND
The EFMP is a mandatory, Soldier-based program for those service members who have a family member requiring specialized medical, psychological or educational needs at a level higher than a general practitioner. This is required so that the exceptional family member's needs can be considered during the Soldier's assignment process. Prior to the inception of the EFMP, Soldiers and family members were moved worldwide, and often, after arriving in a new area, discovered that a service, which was required by a family member, was not available. The family then needed to be moved again, which was costly for the Army and emotionally difficult for the Soldier and family involved. THE EFMP system was design so that branch assignment managers would be made aware when a Soldier has a family member with special needs and these needs could be considered during the assignment process. The Army became proactive rather than reactive and everyone involved benefits. Knowingly withholding information or refusal to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program is punishable under UCMJ. The EFMP manager at ACS can assist families by providing information and referral for enrollment, medical, educational and community resources which can assist in caring for an exceptional family member.

The EFMP manager suggests that transferring Soldiers with school-aged EFMs and with children in the Early Intervention System hand-carry the following documents when they PCS: a copy of the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/Individualized Service Plan (IFSP), copies of any assessments/evaluations that have been performed, correspondence with school and medical staff, progress reports from service providers records, shot records, birth certificates, medical and diagnostic records maintained by previous school, and the school progress reports/report cards. Important: All families should ensure they have at a minimum 30 days of required medication upon arrival to their next installation.

REMEMBER! Enrollment in EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion assignments. Information concerning enrollment in EFMP or any of the data used in the program is not made available to selection boards.

Be sure to update your EFMP record at least every three years. If any changes in conditions have changed prior to the three-year mark, please be sure to keep your EFMP record updated. Notify your health center for update.

ALL INCOMING Soldiers are required to notify MILPO that they have an EFM upon in processing. All Soldiers going to overseas assignments are required to have an Overseas Screening done PRIOR to concurrent travel approval for all family members. No family travel will be approved until this is completed.

ALL children with special needs are required to be assessed by the Special Needs and School Services Accommendation Process (SNAP) before they are allowed at attend the CYSS programs on the installation. This is to ensure the child's special need has been identified, safety precautions can be set, and the Center can provide the best accommodations for the child.

Possible Diagnosis for Enrollment Consideration:

AIDS Allergies Alcohol ADHD Alzheimer's Arthritis Aplastic Asthma Autism Apnea Monitors Amputees Artificial Prosthesis Blind Brain Tumor Burns Cancer

Cleft Palate Cocaine Colitis Cystic Fibrosis Down Syndrome Depression Developmentally Delayed Diabetes Epilepsy Endometriosis Heart Conditions Hearing Impairment Head Injury Huntingtons Disease

Liver Problems Lupus Migraines Osteoporosis Organ Transplant Spinal Cord Injury Sickle Cell Disease Spina Bifidia Speech Problems/Stuttering Special Education Skin Disorder Sclerosis Paralysis

Enrollment is not limited to just the diagnoses listed above. For information call or email the Army Community Service EFMP Manager at 256-876-5397 or the Fox Army Health Center EFMP Coordinator at 256-955-8888, ext. 1654.

Military Sponsor Questions/Concerns:
Who is eligible for enrollment?
All active duty Army, US Army Reserves and Active Guard Reserve Family members who are legal dependents and are enrolled in DEERS program (includes siblings, parents, in-laws. Retirees and DOD civilians are eligible for services, but are not required to enroll.

Who knows this information?
Information for enrollment is not given to selection boards and it does not adversely affect a Soldier's selection for promotion, schools, or assignment.

What are the benefits for enrollment in the program?
Enrollment allows 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 of the Soldier's grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour.

Does being enrolled in EFM make me Non-Deployable?
No. You are still subject to worldwide assignments, field maneuvers, and like any other Soldier may be called upon to serve an unaccompanied tour.

When should I enroll/screed from EFMP?
As soon as you can. Early enrollment is your guarantee that the Army will do its best to match your grade and MOS to a location where your family member's needs can be met. Delays may cause discontinuation of needed treatment, and your family may not be able to travel or be stationed with you. IF NOT SURE, ASK!

What if Dual Miltary?
Both Soldiers need to ensure they enroll the family member under their social security number (SSN), regardless of what branch of service they are in. This will help in the assignment process.

Do I need a Family Care Plan?
It is always wise to have a backup family care plan in case there is an emergency while deployed or on a mission. You will want to have a short and long term plan. ACCIDNTS/EMERGENCIES DO HAPPEN! Soldiers with EFM family members will be requested to file a Family Care Plan. All Soldiers are worldwide deployable.

USEFUL WEB SITES

My Army Life Too
Autism Society of Alabama
Military Child
Military One Source
Military Homefront
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Making Connections

SCHOOL WEB SITES
www.madisoncity.k12.al.us
Stomp Project
Riley Center
Alabama Dept of Education
Alabama Parent Center

Child & Youth School Services (CYSS)
www.redstonemwr.com
State Rehab

MEDICAL WEB SITES
Military Health System
TRICARE
Social Security Online

LAW WEB SITES
Disability