The
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory program
designed to identify family members with long term health care or
special education needs. The program requires mandatory
enrollment for any family member who resides with the sponsor, and is
affected by a physical, emotional or educational condition; and
requires ongoing special medical care or special education not
generally available in isolated areas or overseas locations.
The purpose of the EFMP is to ensure optimum use of Permanent Change of
Station (PCS) money by taking into account the Navy's needs, the
service member's career needs, and the special needs of the family
member. This program is a support program operating in
conjunction with the detailing process which ensures that
servicemembers will be assigned to a location where their career needs
can be met as well as the special needs of the family, where possible.
Presently, Whidbey Island is a category 5 and has no restrictions for
families with special needs. It is important to realize, however, that
due to the rural nature of the island, some educational and medical
services will require a two hour commuting distance. Many
excellent facilities are located within this time frame.
For those EFMs who are a category 4 or 5, automatic priority on base
housing is available upon request. Other requests are
reviewed on a case by case basis. Contact the Housing Office
for more information.
The EFMP Coordinator at NAS Whidbey Island is located at Naval Hospital
Oak Harbor. All EFMs must report to the coordinator upon
arrival. All EFM paperwork must be processed through the
coordinator whether it is a new EFM or just an update.
The Information & Referral Specialist located at the Fleet and
Family Support Programs provides additional information about the EFM
Program and local resources available to help families with special
needs.