JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Joint Service Exceptional Family Member Program hosted a resource fair and conference at the youth center here on March 29, 2014.
"The EFMP is a mandatory program across all branches of the military," said Adreinne Barnett, JBA EFMP family support specialist. "When an active-duty member has a family member with a diagnosis that will last for at least six months, or a disability, they must enroll."
Barnett said the EFMP provides resources and support to exceptional family members based on their needs so the active-duty member can complete their military mission.
Some of the supports available are: connecting families to early intervention, transition supports for exceptional family members who are transitioning from special education to adult services, individualized education program coaching and home health supports, said Barnett.
"We want to focus on each group," said Barnett. "Not just infants and children, but also focusing on adults and geriatrics."
Barnett stated the EFMP encouraged exhibitors from national agencies to attend the fair, so the information given is the same for each region. The fair also included information from National Capital Region local resources.
"The impact on having such an event is to encourage families to come out and connect with other families," said Barnett. "To let them know that they are not alone in their journey and to get information of all the resources in the National Capital Region."
One of the newest members of the EFMP, Ashley Richardson, an active-duty spouse, attended the event.
"My oldest son was recently diagnosed with autism," said Richardson. "Attending the event helped so much; my mind was filled with information."
Attending these workshops gives families the ability to advocate for their exceptional family members where ever they go, said Barnett.
"The biggest thing to take away, for the families, is to know that support is available," she said. "A lot of times, when families transition to a new area, they are unaware of these supports."
For more information on resources available, call 301-981-7088 or 703-697-2790.