U.S. Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care
- What is USAF EFMP Respite Care?
- What parents are saying about Air Force EFMP Respite Care
- Where is the program available?
- What is included in USAF EFMP Respite Care?
- How much will USAF Respite Care cost my family?
- Who is eligible for USAF EFMP Respite Care?
- Who should I call?
- What do I need to apply?
- How long does it take?
What is USAF EFMP Respite Care?
U.S. Air Force (USAF) Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) families stationed throughout the country have children who require child care services. Some children have special needs that require unique child care considerations. Finding and paying for quality child care for children with special needs can also present significant challenges for military families. The U.S. Air Force EFMP program has established a quality respite care program for families with children having special needs and who are enrolled in the USAF 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.
What parents are saying about Air Force EFMP Respite Care
"The EFMP Respite Care Program has been an incredible, invaluable resource since our family was approved two months ago. This time gives us the opportunity to experience just what respite means - a short period of relief. During this time we can now accomplish family tasks, run errands or simply enjoy one another. Having a child with special needs is one of the greatest joys of our lives, but it does not come without occasional frustration and exhaustion. In my opinion, this program is one of the best military support benefits we have experienced in over 12 years serving in the Air Force. Thank you to all who are involved!"
"(Air Force Respite Care is) a program that has been so helpful to my family. My husband and I really treasure the EFMP respite program. It gives us a much needed break. We can enjoy our time together because we're confident our two boys are happy, content and well cared for by a well-trained and vetted respite care worker. The EFMP respite program gives us a precious few hours of relaxation and peace of mind knowing our children are in competent hands."
Respectfully,
Dee C, Randolph AFB, TX
Where is the program available?
Airmen stationed at Air Force locations listed below may be eligible:
| State | City | Air Force Bases (AFB) |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Achorage | Joint Base (JB) Elmendorf-Richardson |
| Arizona | Tucson | Davis-Monthan AFB |
| California | Solano County | Travis AFB |
| Colorado | Colorado Springs | AF Academy, Peterson AFB & Schriever AFB |
| Florida | Pensacola | Hurlburt Field |
| Florida | Valparaiso | Eglin AFB |
| Georgia | Middle | Warner-Robins AFB |
| Georgia | Southern | Moody AFB |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam |
| Illinois | Greater St. Louis | Scott AFB |
| National Capital Region | Greater DC | JB Andrews, JB Anacostia-Bolling, Fort Meade, & the Pentagon |
| Nebraska | Omaha | Offutt AFB |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Creech AFB & Nellis AFB |
| North Dakota | Minot | Minot AFB |
| Ohio | Dayton | Wright-Patterson AFB |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | Tinker AFB |
| South Carolina | Charleston | Charleston AFB |
| South Carolina | Columbia | Shaw AFB |
| Texas | San Antonio | JB San Antonio |
| Virginia | Norfolk | JB Langley-Eustis |
| Washington | Tacoma | JB Lewis-McChord |
| Washington | Spokane | Fairchild AFB |
What is included in USAF EFMP Respite Care?
- Respite care hours vary between 8-20 hours per month based on the Airman's status and the EFM's condition (moderate or severe)
- Your choice of an approved* in-child's home or licensed Family Child Care or child care center
*Approved providers are background screened and have the following pre-service training: CPR, First Aid, Medication Dispensation, and Child Abuse Recognition & Prevention as well as subject matter training in the care of children with special needs..
How much will USAF EFMP Respite Care cost my family?
-
Respite care is free to eligible families
Who is eligible for USAF EFMP Respite Care? Airmen are eligible if:
- The family is enrolled in the USAF EFMP
- The EFM children, ages birth through 18 years, are diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs
- The sibling, ages birth through 12 years
- The EFM child(ren) and siblings must reside with the Airman
- The Airman is stationed at one of the above listed Air Force locations
- The Airman is active duty, including Air Guard and Reserve, if activated for at least 31 days
Who should I call?
Families or interested providers call Child Care Aware® toll-free at 1-800-424-2246
How do I apply for USAF Respite Care?
Child Care Aware® will connect the Airman's family to the local participating agency. The agency will work individually with each family to complete the necessary application and assist with connecting the family to a local respite care provider who will meet their needs.
What do I need to apply for USAF Respite Care?
Child Care Aware® will connect the Airman's family to the local participating agency. The agency will work individually with each family to complete the necessary application and assist with connecting the family to a local respite care provider who will meet their needs. Child Care Aware® will send the family the following forms to complete and return: Respite Care Priority Verification Form ( 53.21 KB ), Deployment Verification Form ( 51.54 KB ) and Wounded Warrior Verification Form ( 79.82 KB ) if applicable).
The local participating agency will provide the family and providers the necessary forms and applications or you can apply online.
How long does it take?
The process is individualized for each family. The agency will meet with the family to complete the initial paperwork. The agency and family will work together to identify potential respite care providers to determine which provider(s) best meet the family's needs. Once a provider has been interviewed and selected by the family, the family will notify the agency and care can begin.
