The Source for Navy News
New Web Site Assists Sailors with Exceptional Family Members
Story Number: NNS041018-05
Release Date: 10/18/2004 2:30:00 PM
By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Navy Personnel Command Communications
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Program unveiled its new Web site in August to allow families, EFM sponsors and medical treatment facility personnel access to EFM category information.
Through the Internet, EFM officials said they have improved on a program designed to meet the needs of the Navy members and their families by putting the “right person in the right place at the right time.”
The site can now serve as a query tool that will enable sponsors to negotiate orders with detailers more efficiently and effectively.
“The benefits to family members and sponsors will be apparent from the moment they access the Web page,” said Marcia Hagood, senior EFM program analyst. "Of particular value is an expansive section detailing the differences in EFM categories.
“We have many resources available to the family members on the site to help them understand which category they may fall into," Hagood added. "If they’ve had difficulty in the past finding that information, the site breaks it down for them.”
The EFM program was created in 1989 to provide service members quality opportunities for assignment to locations where his/her family member’s special medical and/or educational needs could be met. Orders written for program members are reviewed by EFM program managers, who approve or disapprove the move based on availability of facilities for the family member. More than 19,000 Navy families are currently enrolled in the program.
“We’re proud of the fact that the Navy is the only service branch with a program like EFM,” said Hagood. “No other service ensures their special needs families’ orders are reviewed by a specific agency prior to assignment.”
EFM program sponsors or spouses can register with the site, complete a personal profile and obtain a password to find more information regarding their category status. Once registered, the sponsor will be notified when they need to take action regarding their status and will receive general information about the program itself. Additionally, EFM program coordinators at medical commands can view all EFM program enrollees assigned to their area.
“The Web site will provide the medical community the benefit of being as prepared as possible for a special needs family well before they arrive at their next duty station,” Hagood said.
Hagood stressed that anonymity features have been built into the Web site to ensure privacy and confidentiality. Military or family members who have questions about the EFM program can visit the Web site at https://efm.persnet.navy.mil/EFM.
For related news, visit the Navy Personnel Command Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/npc.
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