Exceptional Family Member Program

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a Department of Defense program offered by all branches of the military. The EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program for all active duty service members who have a special needs family member. EFMP provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs by taking an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help service members and their families with special needs. The program has 3 separate components:

  •        Identification & Enrollment,
  •        Assignment Coordination
  •        Family Support

 

EFMP Family Support plays a critical role in helping families navigate the Identification and Enrollment and Assignment Coordination processes. They also connect families with resources and support — helping them to become their own best advocate — with services including:

  •        Information and referral for military support providers and community services
  •        Referral to other Military and Family Support Warm handoffs to the EFMP at the next location
  •        Non-clinical case management

 

The Fort Meade ACS EFMP Family Support also provides assistance with Respite Care, support groups, educational and informative classes and workshops, outreach services, and recreational activities and outings.

 

Who is an Exceptional Family Member?

An Exceptional Family Member is an adult or child with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria. 

This may include family members that:

  • 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 concern
  • Receive early intervention or special education services through an individualized education program or individualized family service plan

 

Trainings/Classes

Click here to view ACS classes

 

Important Phone Numbers

Army Program Manager                Marine Corps Program Manager                           Air Force Family Support

(301) 677-5662                                (703) 693-6368                                                         (301) 677-4136 

Army Program Assistant               Marine Corps Family Case Worker

(301) 677-4473                                 (703) 693-4172/6510

Army Systems Navigator              Marine Corps Training/Education/Outreach

(301) 677-4779                                (703) 693-5353   

ACS Central Intake                         Marine Corps Administrative Specialist

(301) 677-5590                               (703) 693-7195

 

Helpful Websites

 

Systems Navigation Services

Systems Navigators are knowledgeable about the systems of care used by Families with special needs. The primary role of a Systems Navigator is to navigate in processing and intensive need Families through the available systems of care. Systems Navigators also assist Families who are transitioning from the program, due to retirement, separation from the military, transition to Title 32 status, or transition to another duty station. A Systems Navigator can help you develop a Family Service Plan to reach your goals, identify support groups and social activities, make necessary referrals, provide information about disabilities or medical conditions of concern, and strengthen your ability to advocate for your EFM. To refer a Family for Systems Navigation services, download the System’s Navigation Referral Form (.pdf). (Hyperlinked)

Downloadable Documents

 

Please note:  Because these are official government forms, you may have trouble viewing them within your browser. If you are having trouble viewing these PDFs, download the file and save it to your computer. Once saved, close the file out completely and close out your browser, then you can open the document from your computer

 

Housing

Fort Meade Housing is privatized and is operated by Corvias Military Living. The housing waiting lists vary based on rank and Family size. Many Families assume because of their EFMP enrollment they receive prioritized housing, but this is NOT true. They are required to complete a request for Reasonable Accommodation & Modification Request that is a result of a medical condition of the sponsor and/or any of his/her dependents.

 

For required documents and additional information, contact Corvias Military Living.  

 

Early Intervention Services

The Anne Arundel County Public Schools Birth to Five Programs provide free diagnostic and intervention services for residents of Anne Arundel County.  These services are provided to all children who are demonstrating qualifying delays or disabilities for educational services.  Jointly created Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plans (IEP) guides the child and family centered services.  If you want more information or would like to make a referral, please call 410-424-3260. 

For Families residing in another county, contact an ACS EFMP representative to be directed to the service provider in your county.

 

Schools

Special Education classes are offered on post and in the surrounding county schools. Contact the offices listed below for your county’s school information. Please take the time to research each county’s services, prior to purchasing/renting a home.

Anne Arundel County Schools

410-222-5410 and 410-424-3268

 

Montgomery County Schools

 240-740-3900 and 240-740-3880

 

Howard County Schools

410-313-5350 and 410-313-7017

 

Prince George’s County Schools

301-618-8355

 

Baltimore County Schools

443-809-3660

 

Baltimore City Schools

410-396-8900 and 443-642-2000

 

Carrol County Schools

410-751-3033 and 410-751-3955