Services available to families with special needs
Soldiers stationed all over the world may have a family member with special needs, and the Army’s Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to support those family members with ongoing medical, mental health or educational needs.
All Soldiers are required by the governing authority, Army Regulation 608-75, to enroll their exceptional family members in EFMP. Enrollment can be recommended by a medical care provider or by school/program personnel. Family members who qualify for enrollment in EFMP are, for example, those whose medical care is above the level normally provided by a family physician in an outpatient setting, those with serious chronic medical problems, physical disabilities, mental health disorders, or family members that require early intervention/special education services.
By submitting a completed Department of Defense form 2792, “Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary,” and/or Department of Defense Form 2792-1, “Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary,” the Soldier identifies a family member with special needs. Once enrolled, the EFMP medical enrollment summary is used for consideration during the assignment coordination process to ensure that the gaining installation can meet the family member’s educational and/or medical needs.
Educational needs are not considered for continental United States assignments. Assignments will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier’s grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour.
However, all Soldiers remain eligible for worldwide assignments. Furthermore, enrollment in the EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools, or assignment. Information about the family member’s condition, including diagnosis, type of providers, frequency of care, medication, and special accommodations in the program is not available to selection boards.
Soldiers are responsible for maintaining their family members’ EFMP enrollment up to date. An update is required every three years, but it can also be required if the family member’s medical or educational condition changes significantly or if the Soldier is separating from the Army. Soldiers can find their EFMP status on Army Knowledge Online where it is listed on officer record briefs and enlisted record briefs.
Enrollment in the EFMP ensures the special needs of your family member can be met. This program works with military and civilian agencies to ensure that comprehensive and coordinated community support, appropriate housing, educational, medical and personnel services are available to families with special needs prior to a permanent change of station. The United States Army Medical Department Activity at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin assists Soldiers and their families with medical and/or educational enrollments, updates, disenrollment processing, overseas screening, and provides information on medical services available in the region. For further guidance, contact Cindy Saephanh at 380-3159. Walk-in hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Blue Team section at the Dr. Mary E. Walker Center.