The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs and/or abilities.

Soldiers on active duty enroll in the program when they have a Family member in need of additional physical, emotional, developmental, and/or intellectual support requiring specialized services so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process. The overall goal of EFMP is to help Families accompany the Service member to the right duty locations, not to exclude them. The regulation that covers EFMP is AR 608-75.

The Army Community Service (ACS) EFMP office coordinates, integrates, and manages the installation EFMP for the Commander according to Army Regulation (AR) 608-75. ACS EFMP also engages the community on EFMP related topics through building community awareness, education and prevention.

Objectives of the EFMP: Resources, Options, Consultations (ROC) – The Essentials

Managing the care and services for a family member with special needs and/or abilities is more manageable with the right support. The goal of the EFMP is to help your military family with special needs thrive in military life. EFMP is more than just one program or connection point. It’s the work of three components:

  • Identification and Enrollment
  • Assignment Coordination
  • Family Support

The resources, tools and services that are available to support your journey are organized as part of the EFMP Resources, Options and Consultations, or EFMP ROC.

If your spouse, child or other dependent family member is in need of ongoing medical or educational services, your first step is to enroll them in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Enrollment is mandatory but once enrolled, you will have access to the services, and support and information you need to become your family’s best advocate.

Find out about identification and enrollment in the EFMP by contacting the EFMP Case Coordinator.

DSN: 636-9533 / Commercial +39-0444-61-9533, usarmy.usag-italy.medcom-rhc-e.list.vzhc-efmp@mail.mil

As part of the EFMP Identification and Enrollment Service, medical services will work with you to coordinate identification and enrollment in the EFMP. EFMP office staff at USAG-Italy can also provide support during the enrollment process. Eligibility for the TRICARE Extended Health Care Option is also reviewed during the enrollment process.

Eligible Conditions for EFMP Enrollment

A family member with special needs is a:
Spouse, child or incapacitated adult, who, regardless of age, has special medical needs and requires medical care for a chronic condition, receives ongoing services from a medical specialist or has significant behavioral health concerns.

  • Child (birth through age 21) with special education needs who is eligible for, or receives, either early intervention services through an individualized family service plan, or special education services through an Individualized Education Program.

Enrollment in the program is mandatory for family members who have identified special medical or education needs. This ensures that the family member’s needs are considered during the assignment process.
For me information on conditions that warrant EFMP enrollment, please review AR 608-75 Appendix B.

Leaving USAG Italy? Visit USAG-Italy ACS EFMP

Schedule an appointment with USAG-Italy EFMP (DSN: 646-5845/5830/5800 ; Commercial +39-0444-71-5845/5830/5800) to receive relocation support.

Advice for Travel

  • Hand carry medical and educational documents (like the Individual Education Plan – IEP) as well as medications.  Do not pack in household goods!
  • If taking medications, notify your primary care provider of upcoming relocation and request additional medication as needed to cover lapse in medical care during travel.
  • Request assistance from the USAG-Italy ACS office for special housing needs before departing.

Update your EFMP records

Medical enrollments must be updated every three years or if the condition changes.  Educational enrollments must be updated every year. For more information on EFMP enrollment updates, please contact the USAG-Italy EFMP Case Coordinator at usarmy.usag-italy.medcom-rhc-e.list.vzhc-efmp@mail.mil

Educational Support for New Location

Research schools in new location to find the best fit for your child's needs.  Visit the USAG Italy School Liaison Officer for help.

Beth Potter, beth.p.potter.naf@mail.mil

For ALL Soldiers with Dependents: An EFMP Screening for Command Sponsorship must be completed if you are moving to another overseas location including Alaska or Hawaii for accompanied tours. Please contact the USAG-Italy ACS EFMP office (DSN: 646-5845/5830/5800 ; Commercial +39-0444-71-5845/5830/5800) or email usarmy.usag-italy.medcom-rhc-e.list.vzhc-efmp@mail.mil for additional support with the EFMP Screening for Command Sponsorship.