Exceptional Family Member Program
Mainside - Phone: (760) 725-5363
San Onofre - Phone: (760) 763-0868
NEW: Installation Respite Update: July 2010 (PDF 102k) Spring Newsletter [ PDF 596KB ]
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) was established in 1987 to assist active duty service members in providing for the special needs of family members before, during and after relocation required by a change of duty assignment to a new location. The program ensures every attempt is made to mesh military career and special needs whenever possible.
Any authorized dependant family member (spouse, child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, or dependant parent) of active duty personnel residing with the sponsor who possesses a physical, medical, or emotional disability for a period of six months or more is eligible for enrollment.
What if you have a family member with special needs but do not seek assistance? Enrollment in the EFM program is mandatory as per MCO P1754.4A as the aim of the program is to help monitors at Headquarters Marine Corps assign Marines to locations where family members special needs can be best met.
Eligibility
Active duty family member enrolled in DEERS with a physical, emotional, developmental or learning disability requiring special services.
The program is a management tool used to monitor assignments for service members with an exceptional family member to preclude sending a service member and/or families on orders to a duty station where adequate treatment and care is not available for the family members. This program is mandatory enrollment for active duty based on MCO P1754.4A.
EFMP Support Groups:
Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is designed for mothers who have a child with special needs. The meetings are casual and confidential, a chance for moms to "kick back" and chat with others going through similar circumstances. Two opportunities are offered each month.
- 1st Tuesday of the month from 9-10am at the San Onofre IGO Coffee
- Last Monday of the month from 9-10am at the Mainside Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Autism Support Group
The Autism Support Group is designed for parents who have a child diagnosed on the Autism spectrum or related disorder. It is a structured group featuring guest speakers, questions and answer time, parent-to-parent connections and moral support. It is intended to support and educate parents on different strategies, programs and techniques specific to autism spectrum disorders.
- 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8pm at the DeLuz Housing Community Center
Power Hour
Power Hour is designed specifically for EFM spouses. It is a casual, laid-back group that allows spouses the opportunity to get out of the house and connect with others. It is intended to help spouses take a break from the stresses of having a disability and have an enjoyable experience while connecting with others in similar situations.
- 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm at Mainside Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Guy Talk
Guy Talk is a workshop designed to be a "rally point" for male service members who have a dependent enrolled in the EFMP. It is intended to be a casual and confidential place that men can discuss the dual demands of a military career/deployments and having a Special Needs family member at home.
- Scheduled upon request by individual units/commands