An official army family and MWR Site

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

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The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs. An Exceptional Family Member is a Family member with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling, and meets the eligibility criteria. EFMP pertains to active-duty Soldiers, US Army Reserve Soldiers in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Program, and Army National Guard AGR personnel serving under authority of 10 USC or 32 USC. Department of the Army Civilians do not enroll in the program.

EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinating military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Soldiers and their Families with special needs. Enrollment in EFMP includes a wide array of benefits, detailed in the EFMP Benefits Fact Sheet.

EFMP enrollment does not adversely affect promotions, schools, or assignments. EFMP information is not made available to selection boards.

Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members are required to register for EFMP and keep enrollment information current. That way, Family needs will be considered during the OCONUS assignments process. If you’re eligible for EFMP services, Family members must be screened and enrolled when they accompany authorized Soldiers on OCONUS assignments. Screenings include a medical records review for all Family members and developmental screening for all children 72 months and younger. (Special education needs are considered only in assignments outside the United States. Assignments within the US and its territories are not based on the educational needs of children.)

For more information about EFMP and helpful articles about the program, look at the Enterprise EFMP site. After that, contact the installation EFMP manager at your local Army Community Service (ACS) office. To learn more about medical enrollment, see the Program Overview.

 

EFMP Resources

Here are some helpful resources for EFMP Families.

(Government Links)

  • Systems Navigators. Systems navigators are ACS EFMP staff members available on most Army installations. They assist EFMP Families with navigating through the available systems of care.​​​​
  • EFMP Newsletter. The Exceptional Advocate is the DoD’s EFMP newsletter, which includes helpful information and resources.
  • Military OneSouce. Military OneSource’s EFMP & Me tool allows Families to explore the details of EFMP benefits and processes.
  • DirectSTEP. DirectSTEP® eCourses are available for free to Soldiers and Family Members, Army EFMP staff, and Special Education staff associated with teaching military children. DirectSTEP® eCourses teach staff, parents, and educators how to handle critical education issues to obtain positive outcomes.
  • Respite Care Support. The Army’s Respite Care Support services provide a temporary rest period for Family members responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities. Care may be provided in the EFM respite care user’s home.

(Non-Government Links, No Endorsement Implied)

  • Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR). CPIR serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training Information (PTI) Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers, so they can focus their efforts on serving Families of children with disabilities. 
  • American Camp Association (ACA). The ACA is a community of camp professionals who join together to share their knowledge and experience and ensure the quality of camp programs, including those for Exceptional Family Members.

 

More Community Support

Educational Support Playgroup

Parents with children (under the age of 5) are invited to come and play together.

Mar 23 10 am - 11:30 am
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SFRG Care Team Training - HYBRID

Want to become an SFRG Care Team Volunteer? This is for you!

Mar 23 10 am - 12 pm
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German Level 1

Take advantage of this free opportunity to learn German with ACS!

Mar 23 12 pm - 1:30 pm

German Level 2

Take advantage of this free opportunity to learn German with ACS!

Mar 23 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
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Post-Deployment (Financial Readiness) HYBRID

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Mar 24 9 am - 10:30 am
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Post-Deployment (Financial Readiness) HYBRID

Deployment puts a strain on personal and household finances. Let's teach you how to make your reunification seamless and easier on the wallet. Learn how to transition your finances. 

Mar 24 9 am - 10:30 am

Prenatal Breastfeeding Education - HYBRID

Learn Breastfeeding tips and tricks from experts in preparation for your baby's arrival.

Mar 24 2 pm - 4 pm
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Foreign National Military Spouse Employment - HYBRID

Are you a Foreign Military Spouse looking for a job? Join us!

Mar 28 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Couples Communication

Learn how to communicate better with your significant other.

Mar 28 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
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Couples Communication

Learn how to communicate better with your significant other.

Mar 28 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 1

Learn English and improve your verbal skills in this 8 week course.

Mar 28 1 pm - 2:30 pm
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 2

Learn English

Mar 28 2:45 pm - 4 pm

Divorce - HYBRID

Divorce or separation brings dramatic life changes. One of the most challenging life changes is the financial implications.

Mar 29 9 am - 10:30 am
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Divorce - HYBRID

Divorce or separation brings dramatic life changes. One of the most challenging life changes is the financial implications.

Mar 29 9 am - 10:30 am
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Host Nation Tour

Let ACS introduce you to Germany!

Mar 31 10 am - 2 pm
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Host Nation 101

Get familiar with your new Host Nation with this informational session!

Apr 3 9 am - 11 am
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EFMP Sensory Storytime

Come play, learn and meet new people

Apr 3 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

USA Jobs Tutorial (HYBRID)

Are you looking for a government job? ACS can help you understand the process of applying for open positions available on USA Jobs.

Apr 4 9:30 am - 11:30 am
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EFMP Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month.

Apr 4 11:30 am - 1 pm
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Stress & Anger Management Class

Take hold of your temper with Army Community Service (ACS) and join this informative class on how to understand and control stress and anger.

Apr 4 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

ITC PCS Financial Readiness and Spend Plans - HYBRID

Improve your financial readiness.

Apr 4 1 pm - 4 pm
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ITC PCS Financial Readiness and Spend Plans - HYBRID

Improve your financial readiness.

Apr 4 1 pm - 4 pm

Basic Training for New Parents

Learn what to expect as a new parent!

Apr 5 9 am - 1 pm
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Income Tax Basics - HYBRID

Take full advantage of your income when filing your taxes!

Apr 5 9 am - 10:30 am