Exceptional Family Member Program
Program Manager: 703-693-6368 | Family Case Worker: 703-693-4172 / 703-693-6510
Education, Training & Outreach Specialist: 703-693-5353
e-mail: efmphh@usmc-mccs.org
EFMP
Provides assistance to military families with exceptional needs
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides assistance to military families who have members with exceptional medical, behavioral health and educational needs. Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory per MCO 1754.4B.
The primary mission of the Marine Corps EFMP is to ensure the continuum of care for eligible Marine Corps family members. By identifying families with exceptional needs and maximizing the provision of services, the quality of life provided to the Marine Corps family is enhanced while meeting the mission of the Marine Corps.
The EFMP assists families and the command with issues related to the exceptional family member by providing assignment coordination and family support services. Family support services include non-clinical Family Case Workers, Education, Training and Outreach, connection to local, state, and national services and resources and the Respite Care Reimbursement Program.
Workshops & Support Groups (March June, 2013):
Please register at least 1 day prior to event by emailing efmphh@usmc-mccs.org
- May 16 11 am 1 pm Henderson Hall, Bldg. 12, Conference Rm., 1555 Southgate Rd, Arlington, VA
EFMP Basics See more - May 20 11 am 1 pm Marine Barracks Washington, Post 5, Ground floor, Room 146, Washington, DC
EFMP Basics. See more - June 11 11 am 1 pm CBIRF/Indian Head USO Center, 14 Strauss Ave, Indian Head, MD
Special Education 101. See more - June 12 68 pm Fort Meade Community Readiness Center 830 Chisholm Ave, Ft. Meade, MD
Program and Support Group (Held in conjunction with the Fort Meade ACS EFMP). See more - June 17 11 am 1 pm Marine Barracks Washington, Post 5, Ground floor, Room 146, Washington, DC
Special Education 101. See more - June 20 11 am 1 pm Henderson Hall, Bldg. 12, Conference Rm., 1555 Southgate Rd, Arlington, VA
Special Education 101. See more
Workshop & Support Group Descriptions:
EFMP Basics:
What is the Exceptional Family Member Program? Who is eligible and what are the benefits and requirements? This workshop will dis-cuss why the EFMP exists, and how it can help you to support and advocate for your exceptional family member.
Planning a Special Needs Move:
Planning is the key to making a smoother transition for your family during a PCS move, especially if you have a special needs family member. This workshop will step you through the process of creat-ing a timeline checklist, and provide information on useful resources, tips, and organizational tools that will help lessen the stress and anxi-ety of moving with a special needs family member.
Program and Support Group (Held in conjunction with the Fort Meade ACS EFMP):
Fort Meade ACS EFMP hosts a monthly gathering the 2nd Wednes-day of each month, 6 8 pm, in which all services and DoD civilians are welcome. It includes a topical workshop, followed by a period to network with others who have family members with special needs.
Share the Load: Asking for What You Need When You Need It:
As parents/caregivers of special needs family members, your time is consumed with taking care of others. What about you? How can you balance meeting the needs of others with taking care of yourself? Learn how to better manage this balance and share and network with others working to thrive under challenging circumstances.
Special Education 101:
New to the Special Education arena, want a refresher on the basics, or are you able to add your wisdom from years of experience? Join us for a workshop on the need to know information on Special Education law necessary to be the best advocate for your child.
All programs consist of a one hour workshop plus a one hour family networking and support group. During the networking and support group period learn and gain support by sharing experiences, infor-mation on services and resources, and lessons learned through successes and challenges. EFMP staff will be on hand to address questions and concerns.
For Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment criteria see MCO 1754.4B , chapter 2, page 4. To enroll submit a DD Form 2792 Family Medical Summary and an Authorization for Release of Information form . A DD Form 2792-1 is also required for school-age children, age 3 until high school graduation.
The DD Form 2792 Family Medical Summary (2011 Version) must be completed for ALL enrollees even if the EFM is a child who is being enrolled for educational reasons. The form must be signed on pages 1-2 by parent/guardian or by EFM of majority age. Please make sure that the demographic information on page 2 (blocks 1 through 6c) are completed, and sign and date the form in block 6 (a-c). The medical summary portion (pages 4-7) must be fully completed and signed by each attending medical provider. Medical providers must be a state licensed physician or certified/credentialed allied health care provider who is accepted by Chief, BUMED. Complete Addendums if applicable.
Download DD 2792 enrollment form (831 KB PDF)
| ADDENDUM 1 Asthma/Reactive Airway Disease Summary This section is to be completed and signed by a medical provider if the family member has a history of asthma or reactive airway disease. |
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| ADDENDUM 2 Mental Health Summary This section is to be completed by the mental health provider if the family member has a history associated with mental health. |
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| ADDENDUM 3 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Significant Developmental Delays This section is to be completed and signed by a medical provider if the family member has a history of autism spectrum disorder and/or significant developmental delay. |
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Download DD Form 2792 Sample Instructions (913 KB PDF) |
The DD 2792-1 Special Education/Early Intervention Summary Enrollment Form (2011 Version) must be completed and signed by a school official for ALL school-age children (age 3 until high school graduation). If child has an IEP (even if the family has refused services) a copy of the IEP must be submitted. Also, a DD 2792-1 must be submitted for ALL children ages 3 and under with an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). A copy of the IFSP must also be submitted (even if the family has refused services). The parent and/or sponsor should complete the demographic information on page 2 and blocks 1 and 2 on page 3. The school representative completes the information in blocks 3 through 6 on page 3.
Download DD 2792-1 enrollment form (416 KB PDF)
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Download DD Form 2792-1 Sample Instructions (432 KB PDF) |
The Marine Corps EFMP Respite Care Program provides reimbursement, upon approved application, to the EFMP-enrolled service member for up to 40 hours a month of temporary rest periods for family members who care for those who have special needs. This is intended to reduce the stress upon the family by giving the regular caregiver time off. For more information about the program, contact the EFMP office.
TRICARE ECHO Respite Care
If you are enrolled in the EFMP, you may also qualify for the TRICARE ECHO program. Among other benefits, the TRICARE ECHO program offers:
- ECHO Respite Care 16 hours per month when receiving other authorized ECHO benefits.
- TRICARE ECHO Home Health Care Respite up to 40 hours per week (eight hours per day, five days per week) for those who qualify.
To register for TRICARE ECHO benefits, you must register with your regional contractor. Your contractor requires documentation stating that you are an active duty family member, that a qualifying condition exists, and that you are enrolled in the EFMP. When the registration is complete, your DEERS record is modified to indicate eligibility for TRICARE ECHO.
Health Net ECHO Coordinators for Henderson Hall: - Last Names A-D: Valerie.cooley@healthnet.com, ph: 916-985-5806
- Last Names E-Z: LaTrice.D.Easterling@healthnet.com, ph: 571-227-6639
EFMP Lending Library
The Henderson Hall EFMP office has a variety of resources available to sponsors, families and commands to borrow for up to 6 months. These resources include books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and sensory equipment.
Download EFMP Lending Library Resource List (199 KB PDF)Local, State & National Resources
District of Colombia Resources
- DC Parent Information Resource Center
Advocates for Justice and Education - A Guide to Special Education in DC
- DC Early Intervention
- Children And Youth With Special Health Care Needs Resource Locator
- MD Parent Information Resource Center
The Parents Place of Maryland - Maryland Department of Education Web Resources
- Virginia Family Special Education Connection
- VA Parent Information Resource Center
PEATC - 2010 Virginia Parents Guide to Special Education
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
- ADA Information Services
- ADA National Network
- Wrights Law Special Education & Advocacy
- A Guide to Disabilities Rights & Laws
- ADA Employment Guide
- Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care and the ADA
- IDEA
- National Assistance Programs for Military Families Affected by Autism
- Disability.gov
- Medicaid.gov
Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP)
STOMP is a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that assists military families who have children with special education or health needs. STOMP serves families in the following ways:
- Provides information and training about laws, regulations and resources for military families of children with disabilities
- Assists parents and professionals in developing their own community parent education/support groups
- Provides a voice to raise awareness of issues faced by military families with children who have disabilities
The DoD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit: The DoD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit has comprehensive information and tools that are geared towards helping military families with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support and benefits and entitlements.
Special Care Organizational Records (SCOR): The Special Care Organization Record (SCOR) is an organizing tool for those caring for persons with special needs. It is intended to help track and organize the information necessary to care for the special needs person in the caregivers absence.
Listings are provided as a resource only; no USMC MCCS endorsement is implied.
Enrollment
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Who is eligible for the Exceptional Family Member Program? | ||
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An official family member with an exceptional medical or special education need, registered in DEERS, who resides with the active duty service member sponsor. This can include a spouse, child or dependent adult. It is mandatory (by MCO 1754.4B) that the Marine enroll a family member who has special medical or educational needs. Contact your EFMP office if you are unsure if you should enroll a family member. | ||
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What are EFMP eligibility requirements? | ||
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REF: MCO 1754.4B It is DoD policy that family members who meet any of the following criteria will be enrolled in the EFMP: |
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How do you enroll a family member in the EFMP? | ||
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By submitting a DD Form 2792. Also, a DD Form 2792-1 must be completed for all children in school regardless of whether they are receiving special education or not and for children ages 0-3 with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). If you have any questions about the enrollment process please contact your EFMP office. | ||
Disenrollment
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How do I disenroll my family member? | |
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By updating and submitting a DD 2792 and a DD 2792-1 (if required). HQ USMC will evaluate these documents and either update your status or disenroll your family member if EFMP services are deemed no longer necessary. | |
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Will my family member automatically be disenrolled if I fail to update their enrollment by the every-3-year due date? | |
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No, your family member will remain enrolled in the program. The only way to disenroll is by resubmitting the enrollment forms and having them evaluated for disenrollment. |
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When should I update my family member’s enrollment? | |
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When any of these conditions occur: Before the 3-year enrollment update deadline Whenever the family member’s condition worsens or improves, effecting their needs When the family member’s status changes, through age, custody, or any instance in which they are no longer an official family member in DEERS |
Assignment Coordination
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What does EFMP Assignment Coordination mean? | |
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The EFMP is part of the assignment process, ensuring that the family will be assigned where the resources meet the exceptional family member’s needs. | |
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Does the EFMP provide relocation support? |
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The installation EFMP Family Case Workers at both the losing and gaining installations assist in the transition of medical and educational care. Their goal is to ensure that families experience a continuum of care for the EFM. |
Family Support
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What sorts of family support services does the EFMP provide? |
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The EFMP provides each EFM a Family Case Worker (FCW). This case worker can help link the family with local services and supports, connect the family with local, state and national resources and networks, and assist in advocating in the schools. The program also provides educational resources in their lending library, and topical workshops, support groups and events. The EFMP also provides respite care reimbursement through the Respite Care Reimbursement Program. | |
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I don’t require any family support. Can I opt out? |
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Yes, you can opt out of any support or communication other than update reminders and assignment coordination by completing and submitting a Consent Form, indicating that you decline Family Support Services. |
Respite Care Reimbursement Program
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What is the EFMP Respite Care Reimbursement Program? |
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It is a program that provides reimbursement to the sponsor for temporary care of the EFM, giving a rest period for family members responsible for their regular care. It is a reimbursement program and the established reimbursed rate may not cover the total cost expended by the family and, therefore, should be considered as a subsidy for care and not an entitlement. Care may be provided in the family home and the respite care provider’s home. The rate of reimbursement is determined by the EFM’s Level of Need, which is established by HQMC EFMP medical screeners at the time of EFMP enrollment. Reimbursement is authorized for a maximum of 40 clock hours per month and no more than 6 consecutive hours per day. | |
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Am I eligible to for the Respite Care Reimbursement Program? |
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Currently all EFMP enrolled families are eligible for the Respite Care Reimbursement Program. However, you must apply to the program, and specific documentation of caregiver credentials is required for Levels of Need 3 and 4. |
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Can EFMP respite care funds be used to provide child care for siblings of an EFM or child(ren) of an adult EFM? |
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Yes, age typical siblings of EFM’s can also be cared for during the respite care period in most cases. Respite care reimbursement for the children of an EFM spouse is also covered in some situations. Please contact the EFMP Program Manager for more information. |
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What is an age typical child? |
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Age typical children are aged 12 years and under, and not enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. |
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How is Level of Need determined? |
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HQMC EFMP Medical screeners review the submitted DD2792, DD2792-1, IEP/IFSP, and other relevant documents, using a standardized quantitative rubric to assess the need of the EFM and identify the minimum level of provider skill required to maintain the health and safety of the EFM. |
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What if I disagree with my current Level of Need? |
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Contact your Family Case Worker to request a formal review of your Level of Need determination. Your Family Case Worker will assist you in the reconsideration request. After HQMC EFMP completes its review, you will be notified of the final decision by your Family Case Worker. |
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When can I begin to use the program? |
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After the installation EFMP notifies sponsor that the application is approved. The approval process involves the following steps: (1) Current enrollment in EFMP; (2) Sponsor must complete and submit a completed Respite Care Reimbursement Program packet to the installation EFMP office; (3) EFMP Program Manager review and verification of the information submitted by sponsor; (4) Notification by the EFMP Program Manager of approval; and (5) Sponsor submits all necessary documentation for processing a respite reimbursement claim. |
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Who can submit an application and documents for reimbursement? |
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Sponsors who have a family member enrolled in EFMP and who are up-to-date with their enrollment. (Current policy requires enrollment to be updated every three years or earlier if there is a change in condition or treatment.) Spouses or others, with a current power of attorney to act on behalf of sponsor, may also sign respite care documents under certain circumstances such as deployment, TAD, attending an official school, or serving an unaccompanied overseas tour where HQMC EFMP, or the overseas screening process, determines services are not available. |
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If we do not use all 40 hours of respite care one month, can they be rolled over to another month? |
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No, the 40 hours per month allotted to each family does not accrue. |
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If we do not use all 40 hours of respite care one month, can they be transferred to another family? |
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No, respite care hours cannot be transferred. |
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Can I use respite care hours for childcare while working or attending school? |
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No, respite care cannot be used for childcare while sponsor/spouse are working or attending school. Respite care may not be used for pre-school programs or therapy sessions for the exceptional family member. |
