Family find campaign: Effort seeks special-needs families

By Marion Cornish, Exceptional Family Member Program ManagerAugust 21, 2015

Family find campaign: Effort seeks special-needs families
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (August 21, 2015) -- The Exceptional Family Member Program is in the process of identifying active duty military families with special needs.

Special needs can include physical, intellectual, developmental delays, emotional impairments that require special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling.

Enrollment is mandatory for Soldiers who are active-duty Army, Army Reserve Soldiers in the USAR-Active Guard, Reserve program and other Soldiers on active duty exceeding 30 days, and Army National Guard (AGR) personnel serving under authority of Title 10, United States Code who have exceptional family members. Mobilized and deployed Reservists and National Guard members are not eligible.

Enrollment allows the assignment manager at Army personnel agencies to consider the documented medical and special needs of EFMs in the assignment process. When possible, Soldiers are assigned to an area where the medical and special education needs of their EFM can be met. This will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier's grade, specialty and eligibility for the tour. All Soldiers are still eligible for worldwide assignments.

If you are a Soldier with a family member with a special need or disability, or have knowledge of someone who is disabled or with a special need, contact the EFMP at Lyster Army Health Clinic, 255-7431. Lyster's EFMP conducts EFM screenings, enrollments, updates and disenrollments.

Army Regulation 608-75, Exceptional Family Member Program, requires Soldiers to update EFM enrollment every three years or sooner if services for special needs are no longer required.

For EFMP advocacy services, respite care, information and referral services, free educational and training opportunities, resource library and relocation assistance, call Army Community Service EFMP at 255-9277.

EFMP Child and Family Find Campaign activities include: a display at the post exchange Sept. 15-30, Center Library bibliography display throughout September, and a parenting children with special needs workshop Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Commons.

For more information and to register, call 255-9277.

Related Links:

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