Posted on Sep 15, 2014
Does the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) actually work?
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I have been a member of the EFMP for 16 years now due to a daughter that has rather unique medical requirements. I am not sure if ALL services equally have the program or use something similar. Just want the discussion topic to be brought up. I have been mandated to update her file every three years, but have been told I cannot Permanent Change Station (PCS) to certain assignments or locations due to the post not having the facilities or housing to handle such a EFMP.
However, the Army has moved me to every location that EFMP and the garrison has said no. The only place I was accepted on EFMP was Fort Hood and they had no officer handicap housing, therefore my daughter could not go to the assignment with us and had to remain with her grandmother. Only enlisted housing had handicap housing and the contractor would not allow an officer to live in an enlisted home.
So my question is does EFMP really work? Who does it benefit?
Up for discussion.
However, the Army has moved me to every location that EFMP and the garrison has said no. The only place I was accepted on EFMP was Fort Hood and they had no officer handicap housing, therefore my daughter could not go to the assignment with us and had to remain with her grandmother. Only enlisted housing had handicap housing and the contractor would not allow an officer to live in an enlisted home.
So my question is does EFMP really work? Who does it benefit?
Up for discussion.
Posted in these groups: 
PCS
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
PCS Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Sir,
I am currently in Navy and new nothing about it until 5 months after my daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder......long story short you are SUPPOSE to receive a case worker. This case worker is the one that you can talk to about EVERYTHING involving the dependent that is in the program. Depending on the Category you receive from being on EFMP, yes you will be homestead...BUT what bothers me is the fact that they transferred you somewhere where the living conditions for your daughter were not met. To my knowledge, as to how they explained it to me, my detailer is mandated to PCS me where there is a MTF within 50 miles.
I have learned all this from finding out who else in my command was on EFMP and posting questions on Facebook (I know, crazy). I will be more then happy to give you my case workers number so you can speak with her so you can ask all the questions under the sun!!!!! She has been amazing in helping me!
I am currently in Navy and new nothing about it until 5 months after my daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder......long story short you are SUPPOSE to receive a case worker. This case worker is the one that you can talk to about EVERYTHING involving the dependent that is in the program. Depending on the Category you receive from being on EFMP, yes you will be homestead...BUT what bothers me is the fact that they transferred you somewhere where the living conditions for your daughter were not met. To my knowledge, as to how they explained it to me, my detailer is mandated to PCS me where there is a MTF within 50 miles.
I have learned all this from finding out who else in my command was on EFMP and posting questions on Facebook (I know, crazy). I will be more then happy to give you my case workers number so you can speak with her so you can ask all the questions under the sun!!!!! She has been amazing in helping me!
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
Correct on all counts, I had an initial case manager at the location she was born. Phenomenal lady and system with meetings and all. Not until the first PCS did it get complicated. After initial lots of that case worker, all the wheels came if the car. Now, this very day, they cut supplies, mess up the wheelchair order, and don't cover health critical dental work.
The system can work of the system doesn't lose steam behind you.
Thanks for your comments.
The system can work of the system doesn't lose steam behind you.
Thanks for your comments.
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PO2 (Join to see)
This was so hard to hear! Would you be ok with me talking to my case worker about this?
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EFMP worked for me and my family. When my daughter was born she had some complications and required a 4 month stay in the NICU. Upon release from the NICU she needed regulr check-ups with specialists. Additionally the hospital on base could not deal with all her issues and the trips to the ER as they were not prepared to deal with these issues. I submitted my paperwork for a transfer and received orders to a base that could better support me and my daughter within 10 days.
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
Yes, absolutely and I am glad it worked for you also. My daughters initial years and stay in the PICU and NICU were awesome. It was after she was in her wheel chair and on her ventilator that the PCS thing got harder. The older the children and family members get it seems the program loses its edge. That is my experience.
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Sir, I have had no help with EFMP. When I went out to recruiting they did not care about it and had to get referrals fir everything but was mainly taken care of by civilians out in Houston because I was so far away from any military instalation. Now trying to go to Hood I was accepted for my HAAP so my family moved there while I'm in Korea. Then when its time for orders EFMP is denied. At first I was unable to go almost anywhere and me and the branch manager were taking blind shots in the dark to go anywhere but for other reasons my family can not move for another 2 years minimum. Now the only way I can go to hood is if I deploy right after getting to Hood and waive my dwell time. All I see it as is to limit where I go no extra assistance whatsoever.
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