Whole-Hearted Hand-offs Make PCS Better for EFMP Families

The installation Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) team is a great resource and support for families with PCS orders. One of the primary responsibilities of EFMP is to help families think through, plan, and access specific resources that will help to make the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move less challenging. 

As part of our standardized PCS Warm Hand-Off process, families can expect the following support:

• Contact from their Family Case Worker following receipt of orders to identify any needs, provide resources to meet those needs and/or develop a plan to address those needs through referral, case management, and coordination between the losing and gaining EFMP staff.

• 90 days prior to the PCS execution date (or earlier if needed), your Family Case Worker will check back in to see how things are progressing and if additional support or resources are needed. At this time, your FCW will provide the name and contact information of your gaining location Family Case Worker.

• Between 90-60 days prior to your PCS execution, your gaining location Family Case Worker will make contact to introduce themselves and coordinate locally any needs, such as housing accommodations or to discuss resources within the local community.

• 30 days prior to your PCS execution, your losing and gaining Family Case Workers will coordinate on the transfer of respite care, if applicable, and discuss any final needs to make sure your family is ready to move.

• Upon arrival to your new duty stations, your new Family Case Worker will request transfer of your case within the EFMP Case Management System, so that they may begin to provide routine case management support to the family to help your family get connected to your new community.

• If your family is transferring to a sister Service installation and would like to connect with the local EFMP team, part of the Warm Hand-Off will include an introduction to the sister Service EFMP POC.

At any time, families may reach out to request more frequent support. Usual topics associated with PCS moves include housing needs, dependent travel options, transfer of TRICARE, special education support and transition, service animals, respite care, community resources, and safety. In all cases, your Family Case Worker will follow your lead and address those needs that are most important to you.