Salute to Spouses Blog

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Joining EFMP is the Best Options for Families with Exceptional Members

By Tiffany Shedd

We have been part of the Exceptional Family Member program for almost two and a half years. I have taken for granted how much being a part of this program has made life easier for us.

We recently started coming up on orders for our next PCS. My husband initially saw that he was being considered for something at a post that I was not very fond of, because it’s literally in the middle of nowhere. The middle of nowhere isn’t necessarily a bad thing, if the town you are in is an actual city with things like grocery stores, places to buy clothing, activities for kids (other than those found on the installation), but this post was not one of these cities.

A few weeks later, after coming to terms with having to move to this place, my husband told me we were not going there but would be going to a much larger installation in a real city. I was overjoyed. I started to think about why the change had occurred. I know for sure that it was because we are part of the EFMP.

Did you know that being part of the EMFP ensures that your family will only be assigned to installations where your family member can receive the proper care and treatment that they require within a reasonable distance?

If the installation that you’ve been assigned to is not within that distance, your orders very likely can be changed. There are exceptions. Your service member may be required to do a Geo-Bachelor move, where your family would stay behind at your current duty station, so that your family members can continue to receive the same quality treatment.

This type of move can be a hardship, but there are programs in place to help you deal with the extra hardship. Whether you need training to help you deal with some of the extra duties that you’ll be dealing with while your spouse is gone, such as financial and budget training, or if you need respite care from time to time to recharge your batteries, the EFMP program can help you with those needs.

It’s important when you first enroll in the program to find out who the EFMP liaisons are and build a relationship with them. They are going to be a lifeline for you and your family member. They will help you learn about what you’re entitled to being part of in this program and help you use the services and programs offered to the fullest extent.

That doesn’t just mean medical issues. EFMP can provide you with referrals and information about many different programs and services that have nothing to do with your family member’s medical or educational needs.

If you are new to the program and are having a hard time connecting with your EFMP liaison, there are numerous resources that will help you online as well. Military One Source is a one stop shop for pretty much anything military life related. They have a very comprehensive section dedicated to the EFMP.

Another good place to go is Facebook. If you aren’t already in an installation spouse group, now is probably the time to join. It’s an instant connection to other people in your same location. These people usually have a wealth of knowledge that would otherwise take you lots of time to find on your own. Almost every installation has at least one spouse group. We’re stationed at a very small post currently, and I am a member of four different groups just related to this installation. There are even more that I haven’t joined. 

When we were first told we had to enroll in the EFMP, I was hesitant. I thought there might be stigma attached to it that would affect my husband’s career. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The military has stepped up in helping families with exceptional family members in ways that weren’t available in the past, and I am extremely happy and thankful for the help they’ve given us.

Of course, it’s not always a picnic getting things done, but even if you aren’t part of this program, it never is. You have to put in the effort for yourself and your family and the EFMP staff will work for you as best they can to support you and your needs.

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