Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support

Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support provides information, resources, skills and support to help military families with special needs navigate their systems of care. As families gain confidence, they become effective advocates for themselves and their family members, improving the quality of life. Find Local Support »

What is Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support?

Exceptional Family Member Family Support helps service members and their families identify and access programs and services. This includes, but isn’t limited to, the following:

• Information and referrals for military and community services
• Education and outreach
• Information about available local school and early intervention services
• Warm handoffs to the Exceptional Family Member Program at new locations
• Non-clinical case management, including individualized services plans

What is information and referral? Information and referral includes:

• Helping families determine which community resources are appropriate to meet their needs
• Helping families effectively access resources, services and programs
• Following up to verify that families have connected with support services
• Checking with families about the effectiveness of resources
• Helping families work with TRICARE and access the extended care health option when appropriate.

What is non-clinical case management?

Non-clinical case management involves the following:

• Providing information and referrals to families and the people who help them make informed decisions and navigate resources
• Working together to improve families’ quality of life by assisting the family with developing a Family Services Plan (this doesn’t involve medical treatment coordination or follow-up)

What is the family support provider’s role?

The family support provider’s role includes the following:

• Helping families on the path to empowerment by providing information and referral services, non-medical case management, training and other forms of support, such as opportunities for families to connect around a common need or concern
• Helping relocating families pinpoint and navigate formal programs and services and informal supports, which may have a different title in the new state or fall under a different agency
• Bridging gaps in programs, services and supports, and helping families understand what’s offered, how to determine eligibility and how to apply for benefits and entitlements

How do families access family support?

Access Exceptional Family Member Program family support by visiting or calling your local installation Military and Family Support Center, or by contacting Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 and asking for a referral to a special needs consultant.

Military OneSource special needs consultants are available for to help you navigate services for your family and connect you with military and community-based support.

You can schedule an appointment by calling 800-342-9647, by live chat or phone. Appointments are available seven days a week. One call or chat puts you in touch with a wealth of support.

Learn more with the Parent Support Toolkit.