|
Phone: 910-907-3395
Information, referrals and advocacy: 910-907-3405
Email: trisha.m.newton@us.army.mil
Location: Soldier Support Center - 3rd Floor
Normandy Drive, Fort Bragg (map)
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00
 EFMP Monthly Support Group Meetings [PDF]
EFMP Newsletter
ACS Events
13 Aug - Transition from EDIS to Fort Bragg Schools
20 Aug - Wet & Wild
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program, based on carefully defined rules. EFMP works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support and personnel services to Families with special needs. EFMP enrollment works to ensure that needed services are available at the receiving command before the assignment is made.
An Exceptional Family Member is a dependent, regardless of age, that requires medical services for a chronic condition; receives ongoing services from a specialist, has mental health concerns/social problems/psychological needs, receives education services provided on an Individual Education Program (IEP), or a Family member receiving services provided on an Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).
EFMP Required Enrollees
The following components with exceptional Family members must enroll in the program:
- Active Army
- U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers in the USAR
- Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program
- Other USAR Soldiers on active duty exceeding 30 days
- Army National Guard AGR personnel serving under authority of Title 10, United States Code and Title 32, United States Code
Soldiers that are members of the Army Married Couples Program will both enroll in the EFMP when they have a qualified Family member. Department of the Army civilians will identify dependent children with special education and medically related service needs and Family members with medical needs each time they process for an assignment to a location outside the United States where Family member travel is authorized at Government expense.
How to Enroll
1. Service member should contact the Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) EFMP Clinic at (910) 907-EFMP or go to 5 South at WAMC to obtain the enrollment forms (Medical Summary DD 2792; Special Education Summary DD 2792-1). Forms are also available at the Soldier Support Center 3rd floor Army Community Service EFMP.
2. Once the DD 2792 is completed by the medical professional most familiar with the Family members needs and/or the DD 2792-1 is completed by the school or early intervention social worker, contact the EFMP Clinic in WAMC at (910) 907-3367 to schedule an enrollment appointment.
3. Bring any and all outside medical records, to include mental health information, to the scheduled appointment.
4. For an educational enrollment bring a copy of the IEP/IFSP, and completed paperwork to the scheduled appointment.
5. Children under 6 years of age must accompany the sponsor or parent.
6. After the application is processed locally, it is forwarded to the appropriate regional medical center for coding and entry into the program. Within 30-45 days the enrollment should be reflected in the EFMP system and the Soldier's personnel record.
The sponsor is responsible for ensuring eligible Family members enroll and update at least every 3-years or if changes in diagnosis, medication or condition occur.
EFMP enrollment is designed to aid in the assignment process only, and does not adversely affect a service member's career. The EFMP information is NOT released to selection boards for schools and/or promotions. However, please be reminded that EFMP is a mandatory program and that Service members who attempt to avoid EFMP enrollment may receive, at a minimum, a general officer letter of reprimand. Avoiding enrollment includes knowing and willfully failing or refusing to enroll in the program, or withholding information on levy forms thinking it will affect career or assignment progression in a negative way.
Benefits of the EFMP
Enrollment allows assignment managers at military personnel agencies to consider the documented medical needs of exceptional Family members in the CONUS assignment process (educational needs are taken into consideration only in an OCONUS assignment). When possible, service members are assigned to an area where the medical and special education needs of their exceptional Family member can be met. This will depend upon a valid personnel requirement for the service member's grade, specialty and eligibility for the tour. All service members are still eligible for worldwide and unaccompanied assignments. Special education needs are only considered in assignments outside of the U.S. Assignments within our 50 states and trust territories are not based upon the education needs of the child. All local school systems must obey public laws regarding the provision of special education.
Installation EFMP Offers Information and Referral Regarding
- On and off post agencies and support groups
- Educational workshops and recreational activities monthly
- Relocation services
- Support counseling for Family members
- Respite care through contracted provider
- Administrative assistance with deletions and deferments of assignments
- Educational and medical advocacy for needed services
- Assistance with exceptions to policy for housing
Fort Bragg Medical Information
Upon arrival to Fort Bragg, service members do not have to change their TRICARE Prime coverage, but they do need to transfer their enrollment to the new TRICARE service region (Tricare North) and is then assigned a new primary care manager (PCM) based on unit assignment. New Prime Enrollment -If you are enrolling in Prime for the first time or have not been enrolled in TRICARE Prime for some time, please download and/or complete the form and send it to your regional Managed Care Support Contractor (MCSC). If the MCSC receives your application by the 20th day of the month, you will be enrolled in TRICARE Prime effective the first day of the following month. If your application is received after the 20th day of a given month, your Prime enrollment will be effective the first day of the second month after the MCSC received your application. (For example, applications received on or before May 20, will have a Prime enrollment effective date of June 1. Applications received after May 20, will have an enrollment effective date of July 1.)
EFMP Overseas Screening Requirements- The following should take place AFTER you have received notification of an overseas assignment:
1. Attend an out-processing preparation briefing at the Reassignment Branch.
2. Authenticate DA Form 5888 listing each Family member going overseas, and return to Reassignments.
3. Ensure all routine medical care is up to date (within the past year, including physicals, PAP, etc.) PRIOR to the EFMP appointment.
4. EFMP Overseas Screening. Appointments are made by calling 910-907-3367. Screening takes place at the Womack EFMP clinic located at 5 South at the medical center. Spouse and children over 18 must be present for the screening. Do not delay in scheduling and obtaining routine medical appointments. The EFMP process could take 60-90 days to complete during peak times.
CIVILIAN Participation in the EFMP- Designed to identify Family members with special education and medically related service needs, to assist with the overseas assignment process only, and participation begins once the hiring process is complete.
Transferring Prime Enrollment- If you have recently moved and are transferring your Prime enrollment, download and complete the form and send it to the MCSC in your new region. Your enrollment transfer is effective on the date your new regional MCSC receives your application. To do this, they must visit the nearest TRICARE service center (TSC) from 0730-1630 to complete the necessary forms to transfer their enrollment https://www.hnfs.net/EnrollmentForms/ EnrollmentForm1.aspx . The closest TSC is located at Womack Army Medical Center (1st Floor). Beneficiaries will receive a new enrollment card and local health care information. If no action is taken to change their PCM, beneficiaries will remain enrolled with their former PCM. It is important to change PCMs after the move to ensure health care coverage is not interrupted during the move to a new location.
Medical needs that require specialty clinics (Pediatrics, Neurology, Cardiology, etc), require a referral from a physician. Try to obtain the referral prior to departing your current (losing) duty station. If you are unable to obtain this referral, once you are enrolled into your PCM you will have to schedule an appointment with the physician to obtain your referral. This may delay being seen by the specialist and may interfere with your medical needs. Many Family members are given permission to be treated by off-post physicians and specialists - you MUST go through your PCM and the Health Net procedures to schedule these appointments. You MAY NOT schedule these appointments on your own, without prior authorization.
Housing
The installation housing lists vary based on rank and Family size. Exceptions to policy for immediate or priority housing are reserved for extreme medical needs and the requirement to be near an emergency room for treatment. Individuals who wish to request this priority should arrive with statements from their physician, a letter outlining the medical condition and why you are requesting the exception. Additionally, you need endorsements from company and battalion commanders regarding the request for exception. These documents should be taken to the housing office after you are signed up on the waiting list. They will be forwarded for review by Picerne Military Housing (PMH) and a medical professional. This process may take from 1-4 weeks, for additional information contact PMH at 910-495-0878. For additional information regarding PMH visit their website: http://www.braggpicerne.com/
Early Intervention Services
Fort Bragg is fortunate to have an early intervention program, Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS), to serve children from birth to three years who reside on Fort Bragg and have a medical condition or suspected developmental delay and/or have a medical condition that places the child at risk for developmental delay. This program offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy, along with a variety of other specialized services. For more information contact the EDIS Clinic at 910-907-3347. To obtain Early Intervention Services for off-post families contact the Fayetteville Children's Developmental Services Agency at 910-486-1605.
Schools
On-Post
For persons residing on Fort Bragg there are special education classes available to meet your child's needs. In addition to classroom instruction, medically related services are offered to eligible students. A preschool program for 3 and 4 year old children provides a wonderful environment for learning and socialization. Please contact Fort Bragg Schools at 910-907-0200 for detailed information.
Off-Post
Special Education classes are offered in the surrounding county schools. Contact the offices listed below for your county's school information. Please take the time to research each county's services, prior to purchasing/renting a home. Each county school has a website which posts the school's Report Cards. Go to www.ncreportcards.com.
Cumberland County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Program
910-678-2430
http://www.ccs.k12.nc.us
Hoke County Schools
Director of Special Education
910-875-8009
http://www.hcs.k12.nc.us/
Harnett County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Programs
910-893-8151
http://www.harnett.k12.nc.us/Welcome/index.htm
Lee County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Program
919-774-6226
www.lee.k12.nc.us
Moore County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Program
910-947-2342
www.mcs.k12.nc.us
Robeson County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Program
910-671-6000, ext. 280
www.robeson.k12.nc.us
Sampson County Schools
Director of Exceptional Children's Program
910-592-1401
www.sampson.k12.nc.us
Child Care
Services for children with special needs are available. Children will be placed in either a center or a certified Family child care home depending on space availability; child's needs, and parent desires. Prior to registering for care, contact the Special Needs Director at 910-396-5128 to schedule an appointment for initial screening. Please bring your child's medical records, any medical documents concerning the special needs and the IEP, or IFSP, if applicable to the appointment. This information is critical for placement into Child & Youth Services (CYS), and it remains confidential.
The CYS enrollment process is a 3-step process:
- Intake interview with special Needs Director
- Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) case review
- Placement Notification
SNAP
- How Do I Know If My Child Should Be Assessed By The SNAP?
- Does your child see a specialist?
- Does your child see a health consultant other than your Family practice physician?
- Does your child receive assistance from a resource teacher at school?
- Does your child or youth have a health condition that is corrected but needs special attention in regards to participation in childcare settings or recreational activities (e.g., hearing aid, glasses, inhaler, or other assistive equipment)?
- Does your child have difficulty with self discipline?
- Has he/she been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD?
- Is your child or youth on a behavioral modification improvement plan?
- Does your child or youth have any special allergy or dietary issues (e.g., asthma, hay fever, lactose/dairy intolerance)?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, a SNAP appointment should be scheduled for your child PRIOR to enrollment or participation in a CYS program.
What Is The Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP)?
The Special Needs Accommodation Process (SNAP) is a multi-disciplinary team that assists in determining the safest, least restrictive and most appropriate placement of children that require specialized childcare, school age services, youth services, or recreational sports and fitness activities. The purpose of this team is to work with the parent to ensure that the child's experiences while in Child & Youth Services (CYS) are successful.
How Does The SNAP Assist?
The SNAP process is designed to evaluate health, developmental, physical, social, emotional, learning and behavioral issues that affect your child. It is both our philosophy and goal, when possible, to honor your personal choices for CYS services. Through every step we are partners in your child's success. The SNAP serves as a communication link with all agencies involved in providing services to your child. Additionally, team members phone, write, and visit local community and military services and schools to identify available resources and services, all in an effort to ensure that the unique needs of your child are accommodated. The objective is to match the child's needs with the appropriate placement. The SNAP serves as an advocate to ensure that the individual rights of your child are protected and respected. CYS is a program of inclusion.
What Is the Parent's Role?
Parent Participation is crucial. You will be informed of the date, time and location of the SNAP. In order to assist with this placement process you may be asked to provide specific information (e.g., medical documentation, statements of illnesses, allergies, reactions and treatment, copies of the IFSP/IEP, and behavior improvement plans/contracts). All of these items are needed to facilitate the SNAP process. Please provide current documentation.
SNAP Team Members
- Parent/Guardian
- Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Coordinator
- Community Health Nurse
- CYS Special Needs Director
- CYS Center Management Representative
- CYS School Age Services Representative
- Medical Care provider
- Early Intervention Services Representative
- Other Health Care Professionals as needed
EFMP and Community Resource Information
The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group, for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Better Health of Cumberland County (1422 Bragg Blvd.). For more information, please call 609-1633.
The ARC of Cumberland County
Located at 3007 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. The Arc is located between B&B Bowling and Tiny Town on Fort Bragg Road. The Arc of Cumberland County is committed to working on behalf of children and adults with disabilities to improve their quality of life. For information on all ARC events call 867-2141.
Autism Society of Cumberland County
Consisting of parents, Families and friends of children and adults with autism, and the professional who serve them. For dates and locations regarding the Support Groups below call 910-826-9100, ext.
A.W.A.K.E., a support group for those with sleeping disorders and their Family members, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. at Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center (located directly behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center). For more information, please call (910) 609-6389.
The Bereavement Support Group of Cape Fear Valley Hospice meets in the Hospice Department on the second floor of the Village Drive Education Center (3418 Village Drive) on the first and third Thursdays of every month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The group is for those who are coping with the death of a loved one. For more information, please call 609-6740 or 609-6511.
The Fayetteville Brain Injury Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Therapeutic Recreation Department at Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center, located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. For more information, please call Ellen Morales at 486-1101.
The CARE (Cancer Advocacy, Resource and Education) Group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the conference room at The Cancer Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System. It is an educational group for cancer patients and their Families or caregivers. Topics include information on community resources, stress management, fatigue, relationships and care giving. There are opportunities at each meeting for sharing and support. The group is facilitated by a licensed social worker and is open to the public. For more information, please call the Oncology Social Worker at (910) 609-6791.
The Coming Together Children's Support Group meets on the third Thursday of every month (except July, August and September) from 6 to 8 p.m. in The Cancer Center conference room at Cape Fear Valley Health System. The support group helps children whose parents are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, and is open to children ages 5 through 18. Parents are invited to attend and learn how they can best assist their children during this difficult time. Refreshments will be served. Please call to register. For more information, please call (910) 609-6791 or (910) 609-6767.
Common Ground holds informative meetings for prostate cancer patients and their Families, and serves as a forum for discussion of problems associated with being a prostate cancer survivor. They meet on the second Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the conference room of The Cancer Center. For more information, please call (910) 609-6791.
Compassionate Friends, a support group for Families who have experienced the death of a child, meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Cardinal Room at the Village Drive Education Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System (3418 Village Drive, Fayetteville). For more information, please call Martha Lynch at (910) 609-4481.
The Defibrillator Support Group meets on the second Thursday of January, April, July and October from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Room 101 of the Medical Arts Building (101 Robeson St., Fayetteville). For more information, please contact Penny Hester at 609-6057.
Facing Forward, a support group for women living with cancer, meets the second Tuesday of each month in the conference room at The Cancer Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Facing Forward discusses cancer-related topics and issues dealing with women’s wellness in a supportive group setting. For more information, please call 609-4626.
The Look Good, Feel Better support group meets on the third Monday of each month at 9 a.m. in the conference room of The Cancer Center. The group has fun with makeup and hairstyling to help ladies fighting cancer feel their best. For more information, please call 609-7618.
The NICU Parent Support Group meets every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth floor of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Room 432. The support group is for parents who currently have babies in the NICU, offers assistance, educational classes and creative activities. For more information, please call (910) 609-6545.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Cumberland County Mental Health Care System Support, 7:00pm: Support group and information exchange with consumers, families, resources and friends facing mental illness. Meeting is held the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Mental Health Center, 109 Bradford Avenue, Conference Room. For more specific information call Mr. Arnold at 910-867-0405
www.brightfuturesforfamilies.org
www.504idea.org
www.dss.co.cumberland.nc.us
www.ecac-parentcenter.org
www.efmconnections.org
www.familyvoices.org
www.mfrc-dodqol.org/progman
www.ccpfc.org
www.ncpublicschools.org/nclb
www.ncei-eclibrary.org
www.tricare.osd.mil/TricareHandbook/toc
www.tricare.osd.mil
|
