2010 OSEP Leadership Mega Conference Collaboration to Achieve Success from Cradle to Career Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) PTI’s and the Military Working together to support families Heather M. Hebdon Parent Strand S1-207

Goals of presentation Gain knowledge of STOMP as a resource Increase understanding of the similarities and differences in serving different branches of the military Recognize “Best Practices” to help families navigate through both civilian and military systems effectively Identify strategies for outreach to Military Families Identify factors that may keep a family from trying to attain services and the difference between “myth” and “fact” when it comes to EFMP

About STOMP STOMP is a Project of Washington PAVE Established in 1985 to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs. Project staff are all spouses of active duty or retired military and parents of children with special needs

Our Mission STOMP, a parent directed project exists to empower military parents, individuals with disabilities and service providers with knowledge, skills and resources so that they might access services to create a collaborative environment for family and professional partnerships without regard to geographic location.

Parent Professional Teams Workshop Annual 4.5 day workshop Advanced training for teams covering a variety of topics geared to military families Teams of three – Military parent – Military professional – PTI/Community Trainer PPTW 2000 PPTW 2006

Unique challenges faced by Military Families Own language and culture Own set of rules and regulations Nation at war – Frequent deployments and separations Frequent relocations Remote locations Different medical services for different regions Different educational services – DOE, DOD, DODDS Delay in receiving services Household compositions – Single soldiers, dual military, geographical single parent household

Who Makes up the Military? Average age is 25 76% of families served have children % Junior ranking enlisted 72% live at or below poverty level

Cultural Diversity 25% married to foreign born spouse Uniformed services in total has 44.7% minority representation

Access resources Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) School Liaison Officer (SLO) TRICARE Health system Family Support Centers (ACS, Fleet support systems, others)

Special needs families 14.6% of family member population Highest number in Army Students receiving special education/early intervention services 9- 11% of school population (DoDEA) DoDEA serves students in 18 countries & 17 school systems within the USA

Special Issues for Military Families Separation from extended family Frequent deployment Multiple Deployment into harm’s way Remote assignments

Special Issues for those who are assisting Military Families Understanding military benefits e.g. TRICARE Working with families in the DODEA systems Differences in EFMP (i.e. medical vs. advocacy, branch to branch, etc.) Supporting families during PCS moves

PCSing Issues 6-12 months to obtain services Can needs be met at new location? IEP carryover from state- state-DODEA SSI & Medicaid eligibility variable from state to state Requirements for SSI Overseas

More PCSing Issues Inaccurate SSI payments due to state Subsidies/income variations due to transfer Waiting lists for services e.g. HHS. Medicaid Waivers

Special Issues for families going overseas SSI eligibility overseas Medicaid not available overseas HHS services not available overseas Difference in how accommodations are provided overseas

More issues for families overseas Early Intervention provided by EDIS Accessibility overseas? Support/resource groups? Language issues?

Accessing these families to provide assistance Heightened security post 9-11 Search & seizure Installation entry requirements: -proof of ownership -proof of insurance -Driver’s license

Knowing the unwritten rules The language! Rank Protocol Expectations of family members

Working with the EFMP Manager Providing assistance/links for EFMP managers For Point Of Contact for each branch and pertinent EFMP information go to: nn/efmpac/index.cfm

Working with EFMP EFMP-mandatory enrollment While the paperwork is the same the Branches of Service utilize the information differently

Myths vs. Facts Program will harm career Encouraged to leave the service Can’t go to specific schools Will keep member from being deployed Advancement Boards do not see EFMP enrollment Most military members with EFMP stay for medical Schools may ask about EFMP, but may not deny on basis of EFMP Does not keep Military Member from being deployed

Questions?? Thank You for attending