When a military member has a family member with special needs, the Exceptional Family Members Program assists with making sure the family’s needs are met.

EFMP is a program designed to support Moody family members with special needs, and ensure the families have the resources and medical care they need when they arrive to, or depart from, any military installation.

“My role as a family support coordinator is to do a needs assessment with families then offer them a services plan in order to help them track and connect with the resources they need,” said Windy Scott, 23d Force Support Squadron EFMP coordinator. “I [also] provide transition planning if [families] are coming in from another location or [moving] to another base.”

If a family member does not know if they are eligible for EFMP services, they can visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center for a referral to the 23d Medical Group, where they will determine if EFMP assistance is needed.

“When I [joined the service] and my son had a diagnosis, I didn’t have anybody there to navigate me through the resources out there to support me,” said Scott. “It’s very rewarding for me when I see a family that’s connected [with resources], and they feel like they’re getting what they need.”

According to the Air Force EFMP Handbook, EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that collaborates with the 23d MDG to identify active duty service members with family members who have special educational or medical needs.

“If has a life-threatening condition or a chronic condition that has lasted for [more than] six months, they will be enrolled in the program for five years,” said Veshawn Webb, 23d MDG special needs coordinator. “If [the family member] doesn’t have any medication changes or hospitalizations within the five years, they may be disenrolled from the program.”

Part of the Air Force mission is making sure families receive the care and support they need at each duty station. If a base does not offer the services imperative to a family member’s well-being, EFMP assists the Airman with being reassigned to a base that can better service their family member.

 “We’re here to make sure that [the gaining base] can facilitate all of the needs of the dependents. That way, the active duty [members] can do their jobs, knowing their family is going to be taken care of,” said Webb.