The Navy understands the unique challenges faced by families caring for children with special needs. To support these dedicated families, the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) partners with Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA) to administer the Navy Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Respite Care Program. This vital program offers respite care benefits to eligible Navy families enrolled in the EFMP, providing crucial support to parents and guardians.
Caring for a child with exceptional needs is a demanding 24/7 commitment, both physically and emotionally. The EFMP Respite Care Program is designed to offer parents a well-deserved break, allowing them to rest and recharge, secure in the knowledge that their children are in capable and caring hands. This program emphasizes the Navy’s commitment to the well-being of its service members and their families.
It is important to note that the Navy EFMP Respite Care Program is not an entitlement program. Its availability is contingent upon funding and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Who Qualifies for Navy EFMP Respite Care?
To be eligible for the Navy EFMP Respite Care Program, Navy families must meet the following requirements:
- Active Duty Status: The service member (Sponsor) must be on active duty or a Reservist on active duty orders.
- EFMP Enrollment: The Sponsor must be actively enrolled in the Navy’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
- Child’s EFMP Enrollment and Level of Need: The Sponsor must have a child, from birth through 18 years old, currently residing with them and enrolled in the EFMP. This child must be categorized within the two highest levels of need within the EFMP, specifically level-of-need 3 or 4. These categories indicate children with more significant special needs, ensuring the respite care program effectively supports those families with the greatest demands.
Diverse group of children playing under the watchful eye of a caregiver representing navy respite care
How to Confirm Your Navy EFMP Respite Care Eligibility
For Active Duty Navy families, confirming eligibility for the EFMP Respite Care Program is a straightforward process. After establishing an account and household profile on MilitaryChildCare.com, it is essential to contact CCAoA to verify EFMP enrollment and confirm fulfillment of all eligibility requirements.
To confirm your eligibility, you can reach out to the EFMP Respite Care team via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-800-424-2246, extension 317
Contacting CCAoA directly ensures that families receive personalized assistance and clarification regarding their eligibility for this valuable program.
Further Resources for Navy EFMP Respite Care
For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions, Navy families are encouraged to access the comprehensive FAQ document provided by Child Care Aware of America.
- Detailed FAQs: Click here for a full list of FAQs.
This resource offers in-depth answers to common queries, ensuring families have all the information they need to understand and utilize the Navy EFMP Respite Care Program effectively.
Secure Site Resources for Agencies
For agencies requiring access to secure resources related to the Navy EFMP Respite Care Program, a protected section of the website is available.
- Agency Resources (Password Protected): This is a protected section of the website – password will be required to access this part of the website.
This section is designed for agencies involved in administering or supporting the Navy EFMP Respite Care Program and requires password authentication for access.
