Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The EFMP (or similar name depending on military branch of service) is a program of the armed services that helps military dependents with special needs. Staff in the EFMP identify and enroll family members with special health or educational needs, and assist families with identifying and accessing appropriate services, including when changing assignments or duty stations.
Source: Military Parent Technical Assistance Center (MPTAC) Branch
Extended Care Health Options (ECHO)
ECHO may help some military families who have a family member with special needs. ECHO focuses on integrated sets of services and supplies beyond those available through TRICARE programs. Services are intended to reduce the disabling effects of a beneficiary’s condition. ECHO is only available as a supplement to TRICARE programs. If services or supplies are available through a beneficiary’s TRICARE plan, they won’t be covered under ECHO.
Source: Military Parent Technical Assistance Center (MPTAC) Branch
Incapacitated Child
Children who are incapable of self-support and who become incapacitated prior to the age of 21 (or between 21 and 23 if enrolled as a full-time student) can continue to receive military benefits and privileges. This chart assists Parent Centers and military families identify the documents and procedures to declare their child as a permanent dependent.
Source: Military Parent Technical Assistance Center (MPTAC) Branch
Military Interstate Compact
The Compact deals with the challenges of military children and their frequent relocations. It allows for uniform treatment as military children transfer between school districts and states. Each participating state must adopt the Compact through legislation. Each Compact state will appoint representation to an on-going governing Commission which will enact necessary rules. The Compact calls for the development of State Councils in each member state. Each State Council may be tasked with development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within the state.
Source: Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
Restraint and Seclusion
A link to each states restraint and seclusion statues, regulations, policies and guidance.
Source: US Department of Education
Special Needs Trust
Specific guidelines for military families who want to use their Survivor Benefit Annuities to set up a Special Needs Trust.
Source: Military Parent Technical Assistance Center (MPTAC) Branch
