Per the MCO 1754.4, the primary purpose of the Marine Corps EFMP is to ensure continuum of care for eligible Marine Corps family members. By identifying families with special needs and maximizing the provision of services, the quality of life provided to the Marine Corps family is enhanced while meeting the mission of the Marine Corps.

EFMP will improve the quality of life of Marine families that support an exceptional family member (EFM) with a special medical and/or educational need. Quality of life is improved through family support via Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) programs provided aboard Marine Corps installations and through other governmental and private entities. By following specific procedures and guidelines, EFMP supports the assignment of Marine sponsors with EFM to duty stations where services exist to support the EFM with access and availability to medical and educational services. Families and service providers must work together in a climate of mutual respect and trust to be successful. Enrollment in the EFMP shall not prejudice assignment or promotion opportunities.

Please reference the DoD Instruction 1315.19 Section 3: DOD Criteria for Identifying Family Members with Special Needs

Enrollment is through the Sponsor’s Marine Corps installation EFMP office or directly to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Family Care Branch (FC), Marine and Family Programs (MF), Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC, M&RA). HQMC EFMP DD Form 2792 is required for all family members and DD Form 2792-1 is required for all children with a current Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

A physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provide, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.

Installation EFMP staff, under the supervision of the installation EFMP Program Manager, shall provide family support services to include, but not limited to: information and referral, transition support, Family Needs Assessment (FNA) and Service Plans (SP), and other services to support the continuum of care for the EFM. EFMP Staff does not advocate on behalf of sponsors and families, but supports and educates individuals as they learn to become effective advocates for themselves and/or family member(s).

The TRICARE® Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) provides supplemental services to active duty family members with qualifying mental or physical disabilities. ECHO offers integrated services and supplies beyond those offered by the basic TRICARE health benefits program. For more information, please contact your local Tricare or EFMP office.

Respite Care is a non-entitlement benefit intended to provide brief rest periods for the primary caregiver(s).

Respite Care may not be used to fund pre-school programs, day care or babysitting to allow primary caregiver to work or attend school, or therapy sessions or therapeutic recreation for the family member.

EFMP respite care reimbursement is available for EFMs identified as LoN3 and 4. Using a quantitative scoring rubric, the Level of Need (LoN) is assessed during initial EFMP enrollment eligibility screening and subsequent three-year updates. HQMC EFMP will conduct additional LoN review, when requested by the installation EFMP staff. Updated enrollment paperwork or additional documentation may be necessary to support a possible change in LoN. LoN is not equivalent to the Navy Enrollment categories and is used for respite care reimbursement only.

The Family Case Worker will assist sponsors and their families in providing relocation assistance before, during and after relocation required by a PCS. When accepted by the family, the FCW will conduct a Family Needs Assessment (FNA), develop a Service Plan (SP), and provide the necessary information and resources to assist sponsors and families through a successful relocation.

All PCS orders for EFMP-enrolled sponsors are generated by MOS monitors and are based upon the needs of the Marine Corps and individual career progression of the sponsor. HQMC EFMP does not direct the location or timing of PCS orders. EFMP-enrolled sponsors will remain eligible for orders within their MOS and maintain world-wide assignment eligibility. EFMP-enrolled sponsors are equally considered for Special Duty Assignments; and exception to Special Duty assignment is the authority of MM.

At this time, priority housing is not offered in Okinawa. Please contact the local housing office for further information or visit the Kadena Housing website. It is very important to have your enrollment letter and most recent DD 2792 completed with all necessary housing modifications as this will make the process much smoother during your housing brief.