Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Learn about the new EFMP policy, the Defense Department’s effort to standardize EFMP across the services and provide consistent, seamless support for families with special medical and/or educational needs. Find out what changes are being made to the monitoring and oversight process of the program. Monitoring and oversight involves the collection of data that provides information on program efficiencies and satisfaction, and identifies where there are needs, then uses that information to further enhance the program. Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes from the Office of Special Needs. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to families with special medical and/or educational needs. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy. Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback. The Office of Special Needs EFMP Podcast series from Military OneSource is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

Learn how respite care has been standardized across the services and what that means for families. Find out what changes were made, the new process for determining eligibility and what branches will be impacted the most. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary break by giving them the opportunity to put their family member in someone else’s care. Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes from the Office of Special Needs. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to service members and families. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy. Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback. The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

Learning to advocate for yourself takes time and practice. EFMP experts break down the process into simple steps. And we’ll share plenty of stories and tips to illustrate how you can become a great advocate. Guest Rose Anderson, program analyst, Office of Military Family Readiness Policy, Children, Youth and Families speaks with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

We discuss the medical component of EFMP, managing paperwork and keeping up with changes to ensure transitions flow smoothly. We’ll share tools that can help you organize and point you to resources for assistance. Guest Rebecca Tucker, special needs manager, Office of the Surgeon General, United States Army with Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

Caring for a special needs family member can take an emotional and physical toll. Get information about self-care, asking for help and building community. Featuring Kelly Smith, program analyst for Military Community Support Programs and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

Part 2 of Legal and Long-Term Financial Planning covers guardianship, conservatorship and long-term planning. This session introduces resources and information to help you manage and improve your financial and legal health. Featuring Lt. Col. Graham Bernstein, associate deputy general counsel, Office of the Deputy General Counsel; Mr. Andy Cohen, director of the Office of Financial Readiness Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

Preparing financially and legally for a special needs family member who may require long-term care or other considerations is critical. Part 1 of this conversation focuses on wills, special needs trusts and legal and financial assistance available on installations. Featuring Lt. Col. Graham Bernstein, associate deputy general counsel, Office of the Deputy General Counsel; Mr. Andy Cohen, director of the Office of Financial Readiness Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

EFMP families may face unique challenges and concerns during a PCS move. Our experts provide insight on smoothing the medical and education transitions that can arise, whether you’re moving to a new state or a new country. Guests include Jenne Funk, program analyst with the Office of Special Needs; Evangeline Tennort, program analyst and TRICARE liaison with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

Information and resources associated with educational special needs and early intervention services and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. Learn about the education checklists available on the EFMP & Me tool and how to use them. Featuring Tricia (Trish) Smith, early intervention specialist, Educational and Developmental Intervention Services; Jasmine McLeod, Department of Defense Education Activity; and Karen Terry, program analyst with the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.

Learn about benefits and services available to military families with special needs through the Office of Special Needs, the Exceptional Family Member Program and the EFMP & Me tool. With Karen Terry and Rebecca Lombardi from the Department of Defense Office of Special Needs.