EFMP offers care for families with special needs Published Jan. 23, 2013 By Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The U.S. Air Force Exceptional Family Program has established a quality respite care program for families with children having special need and who are enrolled in the EFMP. The EFMP Respite Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs. This care is free to eligible families. To be eligible for the program, the exceptional family member must be under the age of 18, diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs, be enrolled in the EFMP, reside with the active-duty Airman, and be stationed at one of the Air Force locations that have the program available. The program includes eight to 20 hours per month of respite care, based on the Airman's status and the exceptional family member's condition; and your choice of approved in-child's home care, family child care or child care center. "Respite care is important because it gives everyone a break," said Tiffany Hornbeek, 355th Force Support Squadron EFMP family support specialist. "Taking care of a disabled family member 24 hours a day can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Caregivers can use this opportunity to recharge their batteries however they choose." The program also offers care for non-disabled siblings under the age of 12 at no cost to the family. "One of the best things about the program is the sibling care," Hornbeek said. "If parents want an evening out, they don't have to find both a respite provider and a separate babysitter for their other children." Currently, there are 28 Air Force Bases that offer Exceptional Family Member Program Respite Care.