McConnell’s EFMP adds respite care program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell Airmen with children who are eligible for the Exceptional Family Member Program have a new program to assist with child care.

The U.S. Air Force Respite Care is specially designed for Air Force families who have children diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs. They can receive up to 12 hours of childcare per month in the sponsor's home or other agreed upon setting. This program is being implemented throughout the Air Force and many bases are already participating.

"The program is important because it gives military families with children with special needs a much needed break," said Kelsey Riff, 22nd Force Support Squadron EFMP specialist. "These families not only face the stresses that all military families face but they have the added stress of having a family member with special needs."

McConnell's EFMP partnered with the Easter Seals Capper Foundation to try to get this program in effect by Christmas.

"ESCF is the champion for abilities, opening new pathways to opportunity, so that everyone can reach for and realize their potential," said Linda Misasi, ESCF vice president of adult services. "Our vision is to help military families and their special needs child to receive respite care. We feel that respite care is a much needed service for all families and especially for our military families."

ESCFs responsibilities for the respite care program include advertising and recruiting for potential providers, making sure the right people are providing care to families.

"Our agency advertises, recruits and screens potential providers," Misasi said. "We complete background checks, and provide or arrange for training of the providers.  We interview the family to learn more about their needs and the child's needs. We will then arrange for them to interview and select a provider. Once hours are scheduled with providers we will monitor to see that the services are going well for the child and family."

In order to ensure members get the full benefit, they must be registered for the EFMP.

"In order to be eligible for the Respite Care program, an Airman must have their family registered in the EFMP," said Riff. "The enrolled child can be anywhere from a newborn, to 18 years old and is diagnosed with severe or moderate special needs. The EFM child's siblings age birth through 12 are eligible for care if that care is given in conjunction with care for the EFM child The sponsor is active duty or Air National Guard and Reserve if activated for at least 31 days."

For more information about EFMP and how to register, call (316)-759-6020