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1 1 (December 17, 2018)

handle is hein.crs/govyco0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service Informing the legislative debate since 1914 S Updated December 17, 2018 Defense Primer: Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Congress appropriates funds for military benefits and services to improve the quality of life for service members and their families. Military families face frequent moves around the globe, often causing disruptions to spousal employment, school or child care arrangements, and other challenges associated with establishing a household in a new location. Military members who have a dependent (spouse, child, or dependent parent) with special needs may experience significant stress during these moves due to the need to find specialized health care providers, school systems with dedicated support services, and community support assistance. The military established the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) to ease these additional burdens of a move for such families. Background The U.S. Army started EFMP in 1979, with the other Services following its lead. Enrollment was voluntary and the program initially provided medical support to families with special needs in the U.S. and overseas locations. As child advocacy groups raised concerns over the unique pressures of military service on families, Congress enacted the Military Family Act of 1985 as part of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (P.L. 99-145 §§801- 813). This act directed the Department of Defense (DOD) to create an Office of Family Policy to coordinate programs and activities of the military departments as they relate to military families. After 20 years of high operational tempo and congressional hearings on strength, vitality, and sustainability of military family support programs, Congress created the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs in Section 563 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY20 10 (P.L. 111-84). Later renamed the Office of Special Needs (OSN), its statutory mission is to develop DOD-level oversight of EFMP and enhance and improve DOD support around the world for military families with special needs (whether medical or educational needs). OSN establishes overarching policy to support military families with special needs, while each Service (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) is responsible for administering its own EFMP. While the degree of legal, educational, and training assistance provided varies by Service, OSN coordinates with each Service, the Defense Health Agency, and the DOD Education Activity in an effort to ensure EFMP adequately supports military families. OSN holds quarterly advisory panels with military families to assess program satisfaction and provides an annual report to Congress (10 U.S.C. §1781c(g)). Eligibility and Enrollment Active duty service members are required to enroll in EFMP if they have a family member with a qualifying special need. Members of the Reserve Component are not required to enroll in the EFMP, unless they are in an active duty status. DOD civil service employees selected for overseas assignments are also eligible for EFMP services on a space-available basis. Service members may receive guidance on eligibility and completing enrollment in the program at their installation EFMP office. EFMP registration must be transferred when moving to a new duty station. While there are no costs to enroll in the program, certain costs may be associated with medical documentation required for enrollment. These costs may be reimbursed by their respective Service or through an insurance-like program known as TRICARE. Criteria for EFMP Enrollment (one or more of the following) * Life-Threatening or Chronic Condition Requiring Special Care (e.g., follow-up from a primary care manager) * Current and Chronic Mental Health Condition * Asthma or Other Respiratory-Related Diagnosis * Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder * Chronic Condition Requiring Adaptive Equipment, Assistive Technologies, or Environmental/Architectural Considerations * Special Educational Needs EFMP Services and Support EFMP offices also assist with military assignment coordination and direct family support services. Dependents are eligible for support services once the service member has enrolled in the program. EFMP offices validate educational and medical resource availability at the service member's projected duty location, in partnership with the Services' personnel organization. Assignments may be canceled or modified if specific services or resources are not available at the prospective location. EFMP's family support services identify local programs and resources to support individual needs. This includes connecting dependents with community support groups, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 101-476) early intervention, and special education services. Military families supported by EFMP may also receive respite care. Eligibility, availability, and amount of monthly allotted hours varies by Service.

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