How do we qualify for EFMP?

Question

My son who is 2 yrs old has been having repeated bouts of bronchitis since our stay in Fort Drum, NY. I think he can develop asthma from this. The climate here is extreme in the winter and I've notice today on his med record that he sees a doctor for bronchitis almost every month. I understand that it's normal for children to get sick during the winter but his is more extreme. Now, he's got a high temperature (103) and was just diagnosed with what do you know bronchitis again. Can we get him on the EFMP list to get out of here? I consider him as a special needs child. This is just getting ridiculous.

Answer 1

This is a direct quote from the Department of the Army - as you can see, even if you get listed, it is not a guarantee of reassignment. I would suggest working with his doctor to see what you can do within the home to affect your child's illness. While monthly bouts with bronchitis are unusual, there must be an underlying reason for them. Reassignment may not fix his problems, and may actually exaserbate them. You have to be a detective and see what occurs each month (same event) that causes his illness. Good luck.

"Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)"
1/22/2006 8:14:09 PM

"The EFMP is a Department of the Army program designed to assist family members who have special needs. This is done to insure those soldiers and their families are assigned to areas which have those specialized services needed by their exceptional family member. Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for all active duty soldiers who have dependants with special needs."

"What does this mean? When you have a family member with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, and education, training or counseling. There are many conditions, which qualify family members for service through the EFMP. There is a thorough evaluation made of each individual referred to the EFMP. The EFMP Program working in concert with other military and civilian agencies, is designed to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency approach for medical, educational, community support, housing, and personnel services to families with special needs. The program is designed to include all eligible family members (children, spouses, dependent relatives) with special needs regardless of age."

- Enrollment in EFMP is not grounds for deletion, deferment or compassionate reassignment.

- Enrollment is not a guarantee that a sponsor will not serve an unaccompanied tour.

- Enrollment is not an automatic approval of family travel.

- Enrollment from the EFMP is not made available to promotion boards or school board selections.

- Enrollment in the EFMP program will not automatically move or change your place on the housing list. Exceptions to policy may be available to sponsor's of EFM's, however the Housing office is the initial point of contact for this.

EFMs are enrolled permanently in the program unless medical or special education needs warrant case closure or the Soldier is separated from the Army. Soldiers are responsible for keeping their exceptional family member's medical and/or special education documentation current. A record update is required every three years or if the condition changes, whichever comes first.

Answer 2

Never heard of this. It sounds like his immune system is down which is leaving him wide open for illness. If anyone smokes around him this is a trigger and must stop asap. With a temp that high it sounds like a bacterial problem. One of two things. He is not on the right antibiotic to kick it which makes it return or he is coming across the same infection from person to toys. Disinfect everything he comes in contact with. If someone is ill keep him away from them. His lungs aren't getting a chance to heal so he is more likely to get repeat infection. Is he in a day care where they are passing it to one another. If so remove him. As far as moving there's always something no matter where you live. Best to get a stronger antibiotic and if he's not better with in 24- 48 hours than return to the doc for a different one. Something is going on and you are the one to put the puzzle together. Good luck and I'll say a prayer for the little guy.