Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program, based on public law and Department of Defense mandates. Soldiers on active duty enroll in the program when they have a family member with a physical, emotional, developmental, or educational disability requiring specialized services related to medical treatment, therapy, counseling and/or education. Enrollment ensures that the needs of the family member will be considered in the military assignment process. EFMP offers the following services.

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. Advance 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 special education programs, stateside, 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.

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.

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 Mannheim community, they should contact the ACS EFMP manager.

For additional information and appointments, please call ACS at DSN: 385 -3101, or CIV: 0621-730 -3101.