The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) supports the continuum of care for all eligible sponsors and their family member in order to improve the quality of life for families that support a member with special medical and/or educational needs. EFMP is a DOD-mandated enrollment program designed to support individual, family, and unit readiness.
EFMP supports mission readiness by ensuring continuum of care for eligible Marine Corps family members by identifying families with special needs and maximizing confidentiality and the provision of services to enhance the quality of life for members diagnosed with an ongoing physical, medical, or psychological condition. By identifying families with special needs and maximizing the provision of services, the family’s quality of life is enhanced through supports provided by the assigned Family Case Worker (FCW).
The Family Case Worker provides information and resources through partnerships with local public and private organizations, as well as organizations in remote locations. This support includes increased awareness of relevant laws such as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504), so that families can be the best advocate for their Exceptional Family Member (EFM).
Sponsors are required to identify and enroll all family members who have a qualifying medical (physical, mental, and emotional) and/or educational condition at the time of identification or diagnosis of the condition by a qualified medical provider or educational authority. The following are reasons for enrollment:
- Potentially life-threatening conditions and/or chronic medical/physical conditions requiring follow-up support more than once a year and/or specialty/sub-specialty care.
- Current and chronic (duration of six months or longer) diagnosed mental health condition or inpatient/intensive outpatient mental health service within the last two years. Intensive outpatient is defined as monthly or more frequent mental health services.
- A diagnosis of asthma or other respiratory-related diagnosis with scheduled use of inhaled anti-inflammatory agents or bronchodilators, a history of acute asthma exacerbations, or history of hospitalizations as captured on the DD Form 2792.
- A mental health diagnosis, including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), that requires prescribed psychotropic medications(s) and/or treatment by a mental health provider (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, etc.).
- Special Education Eligibility under the IDEA:
- An infant or toddler with developmental disability (birth through two years inclusive) in conformity with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) specifying early intervention services.
- A school-age child (ages 3 through 21 years inclusive) when a school determines a child’s educational performance is adversely affected by one or more disabling conditions. Eligibility for special education services is documented by a current Individual Education Plan (IEP).
The Installation EFMP maintains a central registry of enrollees and assists with direct support to complete the application, education and outreach of eligible sponsors and family members. EFMP requires from the sponsors of family member being considered for enrollment:
- DD Form 2792, Family Member Medical Summary
- DD Form 2792-1, Family Member Early Intervention Service/Special
- Educational Summary, if required
- Other supporting documentation, such as the IEP, IFSP, etc.
Note: how-to instructions, sample forms, and blank forms are available online or at either Installation EFMP Offices.
HQMC Orders Assignment oversees the identification and enrollment process. Once families turn in enrollment forms to the EFMP office they are forwarded electronically to HQMC EFMP. HQ EFMP screens the application and either approves or disapproves enrollment or disenrollment requests. Once enrolled, prior to the Marine receiving proposed accompanied orders, HQMC EFMP ensures the special needs providers identified on the DD Form 2792 or DD Form 2792-1 are available at the new Installation prior to orders being assigned. This process saves the Marine Corps countless dollars by eliminating orders modifications and humanitarian transfers.
Information on the enrollment process and other HQMC/DoD forms and directives, training and events, and other available resources are on the EFMP Web Site, quantico.usmc-mccs.org/marine-family-support/military-family-life/exceptional-family-member-program.
Emergency Preparedness:
Hurricane and Tornado season is coming soon, therefore we all need to be prepared. Please click on the website link to prepare your family for emergencies. Use the search section on the website for more information on preparing for those with special needs.
https://www.ready.gov/prepare-for-emergencies
http://www.ready.marines.mil/Stay-Informed/Installation-Emergency-Management/
Click here for how to prepare
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Family support through an assigned caseworker
- Support at IEP meetings and other agency meetings
- Family Events
- Workshops and trainings
- Support groups
- Eligibility for TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program with qualifying conditions
- Relocation assistance
- EFMP attorney assistance
- Possible eligibility for respite care
