EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program. An Exceptional Family Member (EFM) is a family member with a physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual disability that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling. Special needs can range from all Asthma conditions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, medical conditions, such as seizure activity, and/or mental health conditions, such as, anxiety disorder and depression. The mission of this program is to ensure medical and educational needs are accessible and appropriate to accommodate these individuals' needs.

FAQs:  
Is the Exceptional Family Member Program mandatory?
Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program is mandatory, based on public law and Department of Defense mandates. It works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support and personnel services to Service Member's Families with special needs.

How do I enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program?
The Service Member contacts the Exceptional Family Member Program medical point of contact to begin the assessment process and obtain the enrollment forms. Once the forms are completed, they are forwarded to the appropriate regional medical center for coding and then to Army personnel agencies that enroll the Service Member in this program.

Why is it important to enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program?
The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to ensure medical and educational needs are accessible and appropriate at your present duty station or gaining installation. The program ensures that needed facilities and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Who is an Exceptional Family Member?
An Exceptional Family Member is a Family Member (child or adult) with physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual disability that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling.

If my child has any medical or educational special needs why do
they have to be reviewed through the Special Needs Resource
Team committee?
All children who have any type of educational or medical special needs has to be reviewed by the Special Needs Resource Team committee to assess and address placement of children with disabilities in the Child Youth Service delivery system. The Special Needs Resource Team committee recommendations include developmentally appropriate environment, adult/child ratios, group sizes and any necessary program adaptations to meet that child’s well-being needs. The Special Needs Resource Team is following Child Youth Service and Exceptional Family Member Program Army Regulations.

If my Family Member is enrolled in Exceptional Family Member Program can my Family go with me overseas?
The Exceptional Family Member Program medical staff screen all Family Members for possible enrollment in this program. If the Family Member has any type of special medical, emotional or educational need, it is sent forward to the Overseas Reassignment Exceptional Family Member Program for determination of availability of services. If services are available, Family Members may accompany the Service Member.

What accommodations can be made for the student who needs more individualized educational support?
Anything that can help enable the student to learn can be considered an accommodation following under the provisions of the Public Law 94-142 (Individual with Disabilities Education Act).

What is respite care?
Having a child who has special needs or high-risk conditions can be stressful and seem overwhelming at times. Whether a Family is going through a difficult situation, when a sponsor is deployed or when the sponsor is assigned to a hardship tour, the spouse will need assistance with childcare during this time.

Does enrollment have any impact on the Service Member's career?
Enrollment in Exceptional Family Member Program does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools, or assignment. Information concerning enrollment in this program or any of the data used in the program is not made available to selection boards.