The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is based on public law & DoD mandates. The EFMP works with other military & civilian agencies to provide comprehensive & coordinated community support, educational, housing, personnel, & medical services to families with special needs. Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory. If dual military, both Soldiers must enroll. Enrollment is based upon medical & educational requirements of family members of active duty military personnel. Enrollment updates are required every 3 years or if the condition changes.
The EFMP is a Department of the Army Program designed to assist active duty personnel during assignments/reassignments sponsoring Exceptional Family Members (EFM) with special physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual needs.
The Army will exert every effort to assign Soldiers to an area where the special needs of the exceptional family member can be accommodated, providing there is a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier's specialty and grade. All Soldiers will remain eligible for worldwide assignments.
An EFM is a family member (child or adult) of an active duty Soldier, regardless of age, with any physical, emotional, developmental, behavioral, mental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training, or counseling on an on-going basis.
The Fort Hood EFMP is comprised of the ACS EFMP office, at the Rivers Building, Building 121, Hood Rd. and 761st Tank Battalion Avenue, and the EFMP Clinic at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Enrollment/update of enrollment is accomplished by contacting the EFMP clinic at 288-8099. Overseas screening appointments conducted by the EFMP clinic may be obtained by calling the central appointments at 288-8888. The EFMP Medical Director and staff are located in the EFMP clinic.
The Army Community Service EFMP Office provide services that include: Information and Referral, Community Support Services, Advocacy, Monthly Support Group, Resource Directory, Weekly Swim Program, Respite Information, EFMP Orientation, Monthly Parent Education Advocacy Program (PEAP) Workshop, Recreational and Cultural Activities, Community Support Group Information, Resource Library Information, and Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT) meetings with Child and Youth Services (CYS). All services and activities are free of charge and open to the whole family.
EFMP Parent to Parent, “Helping Hands,” 287-6070
Sharing! Networking! Encouragement!
Would you like to be able to help support another family with similar special needs? Parent-to-Parent support is essential for parents of children with special needs. Results are...parents don’t feel quite as isolated or lonely because they know they are not alone. Peer support is the best way to assist a family on the journey of raising a child with special needs. Ask us about our EFMP Parent to Parent “Helping Hands” Program!
“Sea Dragons” Swim Program, 287-6070
Come and Join Us!
The “Sea Dragons” is a swim program for families with special needs and is opened to the entire family. The “Sea Dragons” is held every Friday evening, 1800-2000, at the Abrams Fitness Center Pool, building 23001 on
62nd Street
on
Fort
Hood
. The “Sea Dragons” is a swim program for any family with special needs and ACS EFMP has all of the flotation devices at the pool. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel and come join us!
Monthly ACS EFMP Support Group, 287-6070
This monthly support group meets to share common experiences unique to special needs. It provides a place to network within the community and to learn about new information and resources on special needs. This support group meets the 4th Monday of each month at 1800–2000 in building 52024, Comanche Chapel on Tank Destroyer. Each month a guest speaker addresses a specific special need and provides information on available resources.
Soldiers Clearing
Fort
Hood
, 287-6070
Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members must clear ACS EFMP…
Out processing Soldiers who have family members enrolled in the EFMP complete DA Form 7415 and the "Need Assessment for Relocating Soldiers" form, and provide a copy of their orders to the EFMP Staff. Additional assistance and resources are provided, as required. In addition, the EFMP staff prepares a memo to the gaining installation informing them of the Soldier's (with exceptional family member) report date and possible need for assistance.
Daily the EFMP staff pre-clear Soldiers who are not enrolled in the EFMP.
EFMP Orientation, 287-6070
Information for newly arrived or newly enrolled Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members.
Every other month (beginning in January) an ACS EFMP Orientation is sponsored for Soldiers with Exceptional Family Members. Come out and learn more on community resources, information and referral, advocacy, and programs available for families with special needs. The Orientation is held at the Comanche Chapel, Building 52024 on Tank Destroyer at 1230-1430. Some of the programs that provide information are: Army Community Service (ACS), Child & Youth Services (CYS), Killeen Independent School District and Copperas Cove Independent School District, TRICARE, Texas Rehab, ChildTeam, MWR, and MetroKids. The EFMP Orientation provides information on resources (on and off post) which are available for special needs.
Monthly Parent Education Advocacy Program (PEAP) Workshop,
287-6070.
Come learn more on being an ADVOCATE for your child or assisting another child with special needs.
The PEAP is a program to train volunteers interested in serving as an advocate in the schools for children with special needs. Monthly workshops with guest speakers provide various topics dealing with school issues and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All workshops are the 2nd Monday of each month, 1800-2000, Comanche Chapel, building 52024, Tank Destroyer. Come join us and have fun while learning valuable information on advocacy!
Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT), 287-6070
The goal of the SNRT is to help all children reach and realize their full potential! The SNRT is a team that assists in determining the safest, least restrictive, and most appropriate placement of children with special needs who wish to utilize any of the Child and Youth Services (CYS) programs. The purpose of the team is to work with the parents to ensure the child’s experiences while in CYS care are memorable, successful, and positive. When the family registers for any CYS program, the process will be initiated. The SNRT serves as an advocate to ensure the child’s rights are protected and respected. The CYS is a program of inclusion. The SNRT meets twice a month or on an emergency basis to service families with special needs requiring CYS care.
Summer Camp, 287-6070
Summer Camp for children with special needs in the Greater
Fort
Hood
Area!
The ACS EFMP in partnership with agencies on and off post, provide a summer camp for children with special needs. The mini camp was established to give children with special needs a time to participate in fun and safe activities with their peers. The camp objectives are to provide new opportunities, in an environment that respects the creativity of each camper, and to interact with children from other backgrounds and disabilities. The summer camp focuses on building self-confidence, having fun, and community involvement. Please call the ACS EFMP Office for more information.
