Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, and education, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs.  Parenting a child with special needs presents unique challenges, and we are here to lend a helping hand.

Housing and Child Care Service
Soldiers and civilians requiring special accommodations for their Family members in the areas of housing and child care should contact the Army Community Service EFMP Manager prior to their PCS move. Advanced preparation and planning for special accommodations is required. Rental housing on the German economy typically  consists of multi-level units with stairs.

Special Education Service
Soldiers and civilians with children in stateside special education programs should hand-carry all pertinent school and medical documents to include the Individual Education Plan. Please Note: DoDDS special education services are offered up to age 21. Vocational Training Programs are not available in the community for mentally disabled young adults who are no longer eligible for DoDDS special education services. Work Assistance job placements may be provided on a case by case basis

Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)
Children ages birth to three years old may receive Early Intervention Services through EDIS if they have a confirmed or suspected developmental delay or a condition that places them at risk. EDIS also provides medically related services for children in DoDDS programs. If Soldiers or civilians have questions or concerns regarding EFMP services in the Heidelberg community, they should contact the ACS EFMP manager.

Respite Care
Respite Care is temporary relief for caregivers of a family member with special needs. A military Family with an Exceptional Family Member that meets certain criteria is eligible for up to 40 hours of paid respite care per month. The EFMP manager recruits and trains interested Respite Care providers and ensures that a suitable match is made between the Family and the provider. Interested families can apply for Respite care through the EFMP Manager at Army Community Service.

EFMP Screening and Command Sponsorship
If you are a Soldier who is applying for: In Place Consecutive Overseas Tour (IPCOT), Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT), In Place Extension or Command Sponsorship (CS), your Family members will need an EFMP screening. To complete the paperwork you will need the following forms:

• DA 5888 (signed by your Personnel section),

• DA 7246 (fill out front and back before going to the screening appointment) and

• DA 2792: EFM Medical Summary and/or EFM Special Education/Early Intervention Summary if you are already in the EFMP program or need to see your Primary Care provider or Specialty clinic before the EFMP screening.

The Special Needs Advisor at the Heidelberg Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) can guide you through this process: DSN 371-2046 or civilian 06221-17-2046. The ACS EFMP manager can also supply the forms and answer questions.

For additional information, please visit: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/efm or contact the ACS Exceptional Family Member Program Manager by e-mail or call ACS.