1. UNCLASSIFIED 19 Aug 10
N135F, (901) 874-6670
MS. L. LEE
Subject: ExceptionalFamily MemberProgram (EFMP)
1. Executive Issue:
 Review the EFMP and how the EFM process applies to Reservists. Determine if there is a
better way to make the process work for mobilized force.
2. Background:
 OPNAVINST 1754.2C, Exceptional Family Member Program, provides policy guidance.
 The primary goal of EFMP is to identify special needs of family members in order to assist
service members in addressing those special needs during PCS assignments.
 An EFM is an authorized DEERS eligible family member residing with the sponsor who
possesses a physical, emotional, developmental, or education disability, or condition
requiring special medical, metal health, or educational services.
 A sponsor is defined as a member serving on active duty.
 TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) delivers financial assistance to active
duty family members including members of the RC activated for a period of more than 30
days. Family members must have a qualifying condition and be enrolled in their Services
EFMP.
 Navy Child and Youth Program contracts with the National Association of Child Care
Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) to provide 40 hours of free respite care to
EFMP families with category IV or V EFM children and their non-EFM siblings living in five
homestead locations and 50 independent locations.
3. Discussion:
 The potential time lag for medical appointments under TRICARE, gathering of paperwork
by the family to attain EFM status and the EFMP determination process at NPC can
shorten the timeframe for activated RC and families to reap the benefits of the ECHO and
Respite Care Programs. In the past, PERS-45 did not enroll RC into EFM unless they
were on PCS orders to a new location. Today, PERS-45 will enroll activated RC in EFM
when the EFM package is received and if the RC is reflected in the enlisted/officer order
writing systems. Improvements to the RC EFMP process to be implemented:
 Update draft OPNAVINST 1754.2D to include guidance for RC. (Action - OPNAV
N135F). Status – in TV4, estimate completion October 2010.
 Add EFMP to NOSC and NMPS mobilization checklists. (Action - RESFOR) Status –
estimate completion 30 September 2010.
 Provide new information rules to NPC Help Desk for RC callers with EFMP questions.
(Action - PERS-4, Assist N135F). Status – estimate completion 15 September 2010.
 Add contact information to RC orders to identify Regional Fleet and Family Support
Center EFMP Liaisons and NPC Help Desk for information and referral. (Action -
PERS-4). Status – estimate completion 17 September 2010.
 Update NPC website to include RC EFMP information. (Action - OPNAV N135F).
Status – estimate completion 17 September 2010.
 Provide EFMP resource materials to RESFOR. (Action - OPNAV N135F). Status –
estimate completion 10 September 2010.
 Provide OCNR with current EFMP strategic communication plan. (Action - OPNAV
N135F). Status – estimate completion 31 August 2010.

2.  Based upon ratio of AC/EFMs, potentially the activated RC will have 240 EFMs at any
given time, and approximately 120 would be eligible for RESPITE and/or ECHO benefits.
 Points of contact for Navy EFMP:
 OPNAV N135, EFMP Policy, Ms. Lanita Lee, 901-874-6670
 NAVPERSCOM PERS-45 Assignment Management, CDR Cynthia Granby, 901-874-
4235
 CNIC N9, Fleet and Family Support Programs, Mr. Arnie Norem, 202-433-6763
 BUMED, Dr. Frank Carden, 202-762-3451
 OCNR, Ms. Joyce Randle, 703-614-4830
 RESFOR, CAPT Dorothy Reed, 757-322-2240
4. Recommendations:
 PERS-45 develop procedures for RC EFM enrollment since orders will not be available in
the order writing systems prior to mobilization if benefits become available during pre and
post mobilization. (Action - PERS-4). Status – complete.
 When costs are determined, fund an automated case management system for all Navy
EFMP workers involved in the EFM process (same improvement identified for AC in June
2010 VCNO EFM tasker and in keeping with NDAA 2010 legislation and DoD direction).
(Action - OPNAV N135F, Assist OPNAV N16, PERS-4, CNIC). Status – POAM in work.
 Coordinate with OSD to provide policy for enrollment of the Reserve Component across
the services. (Action – OPNAV N135F). Status – meeting with OSD tentatively scheduled
for late September 2010.
 OPNAV 1754.2C revision to include policy guidance for the Reserve Component. (Action
– OPNAV N135F). Status – in TV4, estimate completion October 2010.
UNCLASSIFIED