Information Papers
Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care
What is it?
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) respite care is a program that provides temporary rest periods for Family members responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities. Care may be provided in the EFMP respite care user’s home, EFMP respite care worker’s home or other settings such as special needs camps and enrichment programs.
What has the Army done?
- In FY07 and FY08, the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC) received $8.2M Global War on Terrorism funds for respite care to cover deployment needs.
- Qualifying Families are eligible to receive up to 40 hours of EFMP respite care monthly for each certified EFM. Parents select respite care worker and sign a Hold Harmless Agreement.
- The FMWRC conducted training on execution of respite care funds at the worldwide Army Community Service Director’s Workshop (June 2007) and at Army Community Service EFMP Training held in conjunction with Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Conference (July 2007).
- In September 2007, the IMCOM awarded a contract for respite care training and awareness programs.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
- In FY 09, respite care funding is in the QACS base.
- The FMWRC is establishing a worldwide network of respite care workers, special needs camps and enrichment programs for exceptional Families to use in provision of respite care.
- In FY08, the FMWRC established the monthly Respite Care Newsletter, available at MyArmyLifeToo.com.
- Additional training on respite care will be conducted for EFMP managers at the July 2008 MCEC Conference, to include eight training modules developed specifically to address processes and procedures. The modules will also be made available on the Army website, MyArmyLifeToo.com, for availability to EFMP managers throughout the year.
Why is this important to the Army?
Respite care decreases Family stress, increases Family stability and reduces costly out-of-home placements, thereby contributing to Soldier readiness. Due to increase in mobilization and deployments because of Global War on Terrorism, remaining parent/sponsor has sole responsibility for all Family support needs.
Family Support Web Portal: http://www.myarmylifetoo.com/