Exceptional Family Member Program

An Exceptional Family Member is defined as any authorized family member (spouse, child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child or dependent parent) residing with the sponsor who possesses a physical, intellectual or emotional disability and requires special medical or educational services. Conditions requiring enrollment include, but are not limited to, the following, regardless of severity: Asthma, Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Depression.

The program ensures every attempt is made to mesh military career and special family needs whenever possible. If you have a family member that fits the above you must speak with an EFMP coordinator as soon as possible. Enrollment is mandatory for Active duty members.

The EFMP identifies those who require assignment within major medial areas; coordinates with Suitability Screening Coordinators to confirm the availability of medical and educational support at overseas locations; and identifies those who are eligible for homesteading.

Who Enrolls in EFMP?

An EFM is defined as an authorized family member, residing with the sponsor, who requires special medical, psychological or educational services.

EFMP requires mandatory enrollment.  Per OPNAVINST 1754.2 (series), a family member who resides with the sponsor, is enrolled in DEERS, and who is affected by a physical, emotional or educational condition; requires ongoing special medical care;  or special education not generally available in isolated or overseas locations.

The EFMP enrollment Process

EFMP is mandatory and required immediately upon identification of a special need. The necessary forms can be obtained through U.S. Naval Hospital Rota’s EFMP coordinator (see contact information right). Enrollment takes four to six weeks.

If an EFMP need is identified, the sponsor should begin the enrollment process at the NFAAS website. (Use the EFM tab on the top of the NFAAS home page.)

Service and/or family member contact the Medical Treatment Facility EFMP Coordinator who assists with completing the forms and required addenda as follows:

• The MTF EFMP Coordinator forwards the completed enrollment forms electronically via the Navy Family Accountability Assessment System (NFAAS) to the appropriate regional Central Screening Committee (CSC). CSCs are located at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA; San Diego, CA; and US Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan.

• The CSC reviews the enrollment form, recommends one of six category codes and forwards the form to the Navy EFMP Manager.  The six categories are:

• • Category I: for monitoring purposes only

  • Category II: pinpoint to specific geographic locations

  • Category III: no overseas assignments

  • Category IV: major medical areas in CONUS

  • Category V: homesteading

  • Category VI: temporary enrollment (update required in 6-12 months)

• Navy Personnel Command confirms the category code and enters the enrollment data into an EFMP data base.

Navy detailers use the EFMP enrollment data to pinpoint assignments to locations with appropriate resources that can address the special needs.

NOTE: If you are eligible for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transfer in the next twelve months, begin to update now to avoid unnecessary delays.