JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Finding and paying for quality child care for children with special needs can present significant challenges for military families. The Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program has now established a quality respite care program for families with children having special needs and who are enrolled in the United States Air Force EFMP.
USAF EFMP Respite Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs under EFMP. This includes exceptional family member children whose medical conditions require assignment near major medical facilities in the continental United States, or whose needs are complex and require specialized continuity of care.
The program is available to Air Force families in Charleston, Colorado Springs, Colo., Hampton Va., Honolulu, Hawaii, the national Capital Region, San Antonio, Texas, and Tacoma, Wash.
The free service provides eight to 20 hours per month of respite care based on the Airman's status and the EFM's condition (moderate or severe) Approved providers are background screened and have training in CPR, first aid, medication dispensation and child abuse recognition and prevention.
To be eligible for the USAF EFMP Respite Care, the family must be enrolled in the USAF EFMP. EFM children can't be older than 18 and must be diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs.
Additionally, the EFM children must reside with the Airman; the Airman must be stationed at one of the above duty locations and must be on active duty.
Families interested in the program should call Child Aware at 1-800-424-2246 or 803-360-2548 or go to http://www.naccrra.org/militaryprograms/air-force/EFMP/#1