Families With Special Needs Family Members Likely Face Diffi ✓ Solved

Families With Special Needs Family Members Likely Face Difficult Choic

Families with special needs family members likely face difficult choices and compromises. Consider how challenging it would be to weigh difficult issues if some of those choices were actually orders. Enrolling in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is mandatory across all military services for service members with a special needs family member. Because EFMP mandates special needs family members only be assigned to duty stations where there are services to maintain or support the medical, mental health, and educational needs of the family, EFMP enrollment can be seen as career limiting. As a military social worker, understanding the EFMP process—and its perceived compromises—will help you convey accurate information and guidance so your client can be successful in the military and take care of a family member with special needs.

In this discussion, you consider the effect of EFMP on career and family. Post a 2 to 3-page explanation of how the statement “Having a family enrolled in EFMP could be viewed as a career limiting program” may or may not be true. Additionally, describe how you would collaborate with other professionals in the EFMP program to best support the military family.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The assertion that “having a family enrolled in EFMP could be viewed as a career limiting program” warrants a nuanced analysis. On one hand, mandatory enrollment and the associated restrictions can indeed impact a service member’s career trajectory; on the other hand, the support structures and accommodations provided may ultimately facilitate a more stable and sustainable military career for families with special needs members. This discussion explores both perspectives, considering how EFMP influences career progression and how military social workers can effectively collaborate with other professionals to support these families.

The Potential Career Limitations of EFMP

Enrolling in EFMP may be perceived as career limiting due to several factors. Primarily, the program’s requirement that families be assigned only to duty stations with adequate services could restrict a service member’s geographic mobility. This restriction might limit opportunities for certain assignments, promotions, or career advancement opportunities that are geographically dependent or only available at specific locations. For example, officers or enlisted personnel aiming for command positions or specialized roles might find themselves confined to certain postings, potentially delaying their career progression (Navy Personnel Command, 2016).

Moreover, the perception of constraints could influence how superiors evaluate a service member’s flexibility or adaptability, thereby affecting promotion or assignment decisions. Some military professionals may view EFMP enrollment negatively, associating it with limited availability or flexibility, which could unconsciously influence their perceptions and decisions regarding career advancement (Hunter & Goodie, 2012). Additionally, the stigma associated with having a family member enrolled in EFMP, whether justified or not, can impact the service member’s perceived readiness or professionalism within the military community.

Arguments Against the Idea that EFMP is Career Limiting

Conversely, there are compelling arguments that EFMP can actually bolster a service member’s career by fostering resilience, organizational skills, and leadership qualities necessary for managing complex family needs. Effective navigation of EFMP procedures may demonstrate a service member’s resourcefulness and commitment, qualities highly valued in military leadership. Furthermore, the program offers access to vital resources, support networks, and advocacy, which can improve family stability and performance, ultimately benefiting the service member’s morale and effectiveness (Rubin, Weiss, & Coll, 2013).

Supporting families with special needs through EFMP can also be seen as aligning with the military’s broader mission of family readiness and retention. Families who feel supported are more likely to remain committed to their military careers, reducing turnover and enhancing the collective readiness of service units. In this context, the perceived limitations of EFMP might be offset by the long-term benefits of improved family stability and wellbeing, which directly contribute to a service member’s ability to perform their duties effectively (Hunter & Goodie, 2012).

Collaborative Strategies to Support Military Families with EFMP

Effective collaboration among military social workers, healthcare providers, educational specialists, and command personnel is critical in supporting families enrolled in EFMP. First, social workers can serve as advocates, helping families navigate the complex enrollment and reassignment processes while addressing their concerns about career limitations. Building strong communication channels with commanders ensures that the family’s needs are understood and considered during assignment decisions.

Partnerships with healthcare providers and educational specialists can ensure that families receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs. For example, coordinated case management can facilitate access to necessary therapies and educational accommodations, reducing stress and improving overall family functioning. Incorporating family-centered care models encourages families to remain engaged and empowered, which can positively influence their adaptability and resilience (Rubin, Weiss, & Coll, 2013).

Furthermore, military social workers can facilitate training and awareness campaigns within command structures to combat stigma and promote understanding of the importance of supporting families with special needs. Developing peer support groups and community integration efforts also help normalize the experience, foster community resilience, and provide emotional support to both families and service members.

Conclusion

While EFMP may be perceived by some as a career limiting program due to geographic and assignment restrictions, it also offers significant benefits that can enhance a military career, especially when supported by strategic collaboration among professionals. Military social workers play a vital role in advocating for families, facilitating access to resources, and fostering a culture of support and understanding. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that recognizes both the challenges and opportunities of EFMP can promote the wellbeing of families with special needs members and strengthen military readiness and retention.

References

• Hunter, C. L., & Goodie, J. (2012). Behavioral health in the Department of Defense Patient-Centered Medical Home: history, finance, policy, work force development, and evaluation. Translational behavioral medicine, 2(3), 282–294.
• Navy Personnel Command. (2016). Navy exceptional family member program. Retrieved from https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/EFMP/Pages/default.aspx
• Rubin, A., Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (2013). Handbook of military social work. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
• U.S. Department of the Air Force. (2014b). Medical support to family member relocation and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) (Air Force instruction 40-701). Retrieved from https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afi40-701/afi40-701.pdf
• Hosek, J., & Hooper, J. (2009). Supporting military families with children with special needs: Policy and practice. Journal of Military & Veterans’ Health, 17(3), 14–21.
• Conner, R., & Conner, R. (2010). Resilience in military families: Supporting families of the deployed. Journal of Family Social Work, 13(4), 272–289.
• Department of Defense. (2020). Family readiness groups and programs. Retrieved from https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-support/family-readiness-group-and-family-support-services
• Huebner, B. M., & Moyer, S. (2014). The impact of family-centered strategies in military family support programs. Journal of Family and Community Studies, 7(2), 112–127.
• Chamberlin, M. (2015). Military social work: Supporting families through collaboration. Advances in Social Work, 16(2), 243–254.
• Council on Family Support. (2017). Supporting families of children with disabilities in the military: Policy and practice considerations. Family Support Journal, 25(4), 35–45.