OSD is drafting a new policy on the Exceptional Family Member Program to improve support for families with special needs members. Several studies are being conducted to analyze services, determine best practices, and identify gaps in access to care. Recommendations from the studies will help update policies and programs to better support military families with special healthcare or educational needs when moving between assignments.
EFMP Welcome Aboard Kits will have similar functionality as the Family Information Kits. They will include a professionally designed portfolio folder with the EFMP logo, encompassing brochures and additional information pertaining specifically to EFMP (overview, functions, enrollment, etc.) Special Needs Adult Tool Kit is similar in scope to the Special Needs Parent Tool Kit. Audience chosen for this guide is the caregiver of an adult special needs family member. The project is currently in draft outline form. The outline should be finalized and approved the first part of March. eNewsletter will soon focus on family members as opposed to service providers. eNewsletter will be created as two different formats. One format will be a restructure of the current MC&FP eMagazine. This option is most compatible with .mil and other government servers. The second will be a digital publication utilizing flash technology for a more interactive experience and the option to be downloaded into a formatted PDF. Newsletter templates will be a pre-formatted tool for service providers to customize their own installation newsletter. Guidance sheets and best practices for creating an effective newsletter will also be provided. We are also working toward creating a content and image library on HOMEFRONTConnections as an additional resource for service providers. DoD Joint Family Readiness Conference