MCO 1754.4C — Exceptional Family Member Program

MCO 1754.4C governs the Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program, including enrollment, assignments, family support, and respite care.

Search MCO 1754.4C

  • Publication number: MCO 1754.4C
  • Title: EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM
  • Date: 8 Oct 2020
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: Current

View MCO 1754.4C on armypubs.army.mil


It defines procedures for identifying, enrolling, screening, assigning, and supporting families with special medical and educational needs. It requires confidentiality protections, background checks, mandated reporting, and controls for respite care reimbursement.

Applies to: Per references (a) and (b), Marine Corps EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program for Active Duty Service members and Active Reservists, who have a family member with special medical and/or educational needs and is designed to support the PCS assignment process.

Topics covered

  • Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment
  • Medical and educational needs
  • PCS assignment coordination
  • Housing modifications and priority housing
  • Family support services
  • Respite care reimbursement
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Legal services for families with special needs

Questions and answers

Who must enroll in the Marine Corps Exceptional Family Member Program?

Per references (a) and (b), Marine Corps EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program for Active Duty Service members and Active Reservists, who have a family member with special medical and/or educational needs and is designed to support the PCS assignment process. (paragraph 4)

What happens when a family member no longer qualifies for EFMP enrollment?

Family members are disenrolled when they meet at least one of the following criteria: a. The family member is no longer a DEERS-eligible dependent. b. Dependent children who are no longer eligible for EI, special education or related services through an IFSP or IEP and do not require ongoing health care, specialty medical or mental health services, as defined by reference (a). c. Adult dependents who no longer require ongoing health care, specialty medical or mental health services, as defined by reference (a). (paragraph 1)

How many respite care hours may a family receive each month?

The maximum number of reimbursed hours is 20 per month, per family. (paragraph 4)

What uses are prohibited for respite care reimbursement?

Respite care reimbursement may not be used to pay for pre-school programs, child care to allow sponsor or spouse to work or attend school, therapy sessions, or therapeutic recreation for the EFM. (paragraph 4)

What must EFMP staff report as mandated reporters?

EFMP staff are mandated reporters and shall report any incident or suspected incident of child abuse to the local Family Advocacy Program and Child Protective Services. (paragraph 4)

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