Program aids special needs family members

Published Oct. 20, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Moore
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- More than 100,000 military families include individuals with special needs. The Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program allows sponsoring Airmen to procure ssignments to locations here suitable medical or educational resources are available to treat special needs family members.

These special needs include physiological, psychological, medical or educational conditions that require treatment. The EFMP is limited to the Airman's spouse, child or other person in the Airman's household who is dependent on the sponsor for more than half of their financial support and who meets enrollment criteria.

Military Homefront is the Department of Defense website for official military community and family policy program information. The website is www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil.

According to the website, "EFMP refers to two functions: a personnel function and a family support function. The EFMP personnel function is a mandatory program for all active duty service members. DOD policy on family centers allows, but does not require, the military services to offer family support services to exceptional family members."

"EFMPhas received increased recognition and support by the Air Force and the program is being energized," said Rebecca Stanley, 81st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant.

"We recognize our people are our greatest asset, including our family members," Lt. Gen. Richard Newton III, the Air Force's deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, said during a "DOD Live" bloggers roundtable. "Our focus and attention of our senior leaders throughout the ranks is indeed helping our families..."

At Keesler, 132 families benefit from the EMFP. Major (Dr.) Eric Flake, 81st Medical Operations Squadron developmental behavioral pediatrics, said, "I feel Keesler's program works diligently to ensure families with special needs moving to and from Keesler are carefully reviewed, and case-managed if required, to ensure they get the best possible medical care."

Several Keesler sections work closely to ensure the program is successful. "There are multiple players with distinct roles in theEFMP," Ms. Stanley said. "Some of the players are the special needs identification and assignment coordinator, the military personnel section and the airman and family readiness center. There are other key personnel such as the family member relocation coordinator who provides crucial identification and referral for the EFMP."

Dr. Flake said he believes the EFMP improves communication and can ease the transition for some families moving to this area and provides a warm hand-off to those headed to another base.

"I think the last point I would raise," General Newton said, "is that we keep the momentum going, that we again continue to listen to our men and women and their family members."

For information, visit Air Force Community website at http://www.afcommunity.af.mil or reference the DOD Live Bloggers roundtable at http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/tag/air-force-exceptionalfamily-member-program/.