To ensure mission readiness, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide a comprehensive, coordinate, multi-agency approach for community support, housing, medical, educational and personnel services to families with special needs. The program is applicable to Active Army and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers (USAR) in the USAR Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program.
Family members must be screened and enrolled, if eligible, to participate in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Soldiers are responsible for keeping their EFMP enrollment current as exceptional family member conditions change or at least every three years, whichever comes first.
Use these resource links, to learn more about EFMP and the families it serves.
SYSTEMS NAVIGATION The EFMP Systems Navigator is responsible for facilitating connections between families who have special needs and the systems of required care. This includes provision of information and referral to community agencies, special education directors, medical providers, parent-to-parent networks and other resources. The Family Support EFMP office within the Soldier & Family Readiness Center (SFRC) maintains a resource library with books, DVDs and guides covering multiple conditions, special education and disability law. Free information booklets, parent handbooks and brochures are available throughout the SFRC building.
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INCLUSION ACTION TEAM The Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT) is established to ensure the most appropriate placement of children with special needs in Child & Youth Services (CYS) programs. The team reviews any new or annual review applications for CYS programs that indicate any possible conditions requiring accommodations. The team reviews the needs of the child and determines if those needs can be met and recommends a placement setting that accommodates, to the extent possible, the child's needs. The goal is to ensure the child has the very best experience at CYS and staff are trained to provide the care that a particular child needs.
SUPPORT GROUP The EFMP offers two different types of support group meetings and maintains a current listing of support groups and advocacy organizations in the community. Both SFRC EFMP Support Groups provide information, support and advocacy for Soldiers, family members, retirees and DOD civilians. Enrollment in EFMP is not required to attend our "Pete the Cat" Support Groups. Story videos will post on the @FortHuachucaSFRC Facebook page by 8 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Craft & Activity Bags will be available for pickup at the SFRC the week before each story. The "Team Pete" Support Group is for EFMP family members and/or caregivers. It is a safe place to talk, laugh and share your reality with other who understand. Look for meeting flyers to be posted on the @FortHuachucaSFRC Facebook page.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM Upon request of parents, SFRC EFMP can participate as an advocate in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for school-aged children. The child's school IEP team must be notified prior to the meeting that an EFMP representative will be attending.
RESPITE CARE For active Army and active Guard and Reserve families who are responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities, the EFMP Respite Care Program provides a temporary rest period. Respite Care is available to eligible Level 3 or Level 4 EFMs if care is not available/accessible through CYS, TRICARE ECHO or state resources. Respite care providers undergo a Child Care National Agency Check with Inquiries (CNACI) and an installation records check prior to providing care in accordance with regulatory guidelines and guidance. Eligibility for Respite Care Program is based on EFMP enrollment and the medical condition(s) of the family member requiring care.
