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The Exceptional Family Members Program connects active duty family members who have special needs with many helping agencies both on and off base. (Courtesy graphic)
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Dyess provides resources to families with special needs
Posted 10/17/2012 Updated 10/17/2012
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by Airman 1st Class Cierra Bullock
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
10/17/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Embarrassed, confused and angry are a few ways one might feel after learning a member of their family has been diagnosed with a physical, developmental, emotional or mental disorder.
The Exceptional Family Members Program is a mandatory Department of Defense enrollment that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive services so a servicemember's needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process.
Upon receiving news that a family member has been diagnosed, the active-duty member goes through a medical screening and is referred to the program.
"Not everyone knows what to do when they find out about a family member's diagnosis. But after being referred to the program, we help and guide them from there," said Megan Satake, EFMP family support coordinator.
The EFMP's three areas are medical, family support and assignments. Once a family is identified through the program, an assignment specialist changes their PCS status. The family may only go to locations with medical services that meet their individual needs.
Staff Sgt. Kaipo Cowan, 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 20, is one of those servicemembers enrolled in the EFMP, and has been stationed at Dyess for ten years.
"For ten years I didn't know about the program until recently when my three-year-old son Corbin was diagnosed with autism," Cowan said. "It was an emotional time for my family and we didn't know what to do. Thankfully we were set up with the EFMP and our lives became less stressful and a lot easier."
Some services offered within the program are the Tricare Extended Health Care Option and EFMP respite care program.
The EHCO program adds additional financial assistance that the basic Tricare program doesn't cover. The maximum cost share for all ECHO benefits combined is $36,000 per fiscal year.
"We're trying to make more people aware of this program," Satake said. "The more people who know about it, the more families will benefit from it."
The respite care program is free to eligible families. The program provides 8-20 hours of childcare per month based on an Airman's status and the family member's condition.
"I really want other parents who have children with a disability to know that they are not alone, that it's not their or their child's fault they have a disability," Cowan said. "I'm willing to help and talk with anyone who might be ashamed or scared to do something about it."
The family support side of the program is optional. However, if a family chooses to get support, a family support coordinator will keep track of that family and set them up with different programs on and off base.
"I try my best to help these families get all the help they need," Satake said. "We plan activities for the families, like the upcoming hay ride and pumpkin decorating art camp on October 20."
Active-duty members who have questions about what to do, where to start or if they just want to talk with a fellow servicemember who's going through the same situation, can contact Staff Sgt. Kaipo Cowan through the EFMP coordinator.
"When I found out about my son's diagnosis, losing my Air Force career was the last thing on my mind," Cowan said. "I know with the resources being offered to my family that we would be okay in the long run."
"I've been through a lot and I would like to offer my time to someone that's going through the same thing as me," Cowan said. "I want to show them they don't have to end their career and they can turn it into a positive situation."
For more information about the EFMP, call Megan Satake at (325) 696-5999. |
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