Written by: Rachel Brauner, Program Coordinator, OneOp Lifespan Caregiving
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) providers play a critical role in supporting military families who have dependents with special needs. However, it’s essential for providers to create clear boundaries to ensure that parents and caregivers are empowered to advocate for their care recipients. By striking a balance between providing necessary case management and fostering independence, providers can enable families to take charge of their advocacy efforts effectively.
Establishing Clear Roles and Responsibilities
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities is essential for effective collaboration between EFMP providers and parents/caregivers. During the initial assessment, EFMP providers should clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both parties. This includes setting specific goals and outlining the steps required to achieve them, which helps prevent over-reliance on the provider and encourages proactive involvement from the parent/caregiver. Empowering parents and caregivers through education is also crucial. Providers should focus on educating them about their rights, available resources, and advocacy strategies. By equipping families with knowledge and tools, providers enable them to make informed decisions and take an active role in advocating for their care recipient. Additionally, developing a Family Service Plan is a collaborative effort that outlines the specific needs of the care recipient and the goals for their support. Providers should involve parents and caregivers in the creation of this plan, ensuring they have a say in the planning process. This collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the families.
Providing Guidance and Support Without Taking Over
Providing guidance and support without taking over is crucial for empowering parents and caregivers. Regular check-ins and progress reviews should be scheduled to review progress and address any challenges, focusing on providing guidance rather than taking over tasks. During these meetings, parents and caregivers should be encouraged to lead discussions and problem-solve, with providers offering support and advice as needed. Additionally, instead of directly handling every aspect of case management, providers should refer families to appropriate resources and services. This approach helps families build their own networks and learn how to navigate systems independently, fostering self-reliance and confidence.
Encouraging Independence and Self-Advocacy
Encouraging independence and self-advocacy involves a gradual transition of responsibilities to parents and caregivers. Providers could start by involving them in decision-making processes and gradually increase their responsibilities as they become more confident and knowledgeable. While fostering this independence, providers remain available for consultation and support, offering a safety net that ensures parents and caregivers feel secure in taking on new responsibilities. Additionally, celebrating successes and milestones achieved by parents and caregivers in their advocacy efforts is essential. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and reinforces the importance of their role in the care recipient’s support system, further empowering them to advocate effectively.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
Setting boundaries and managing expectations involves clear communication, establishing limits, and consistent boundary reinforcement. Providers should communicate boundaries clearly and respectfully, explaining the importance of empowering parents and caregivers to take on advocacy roles and how this benefits the care recipient in the long run. Establishing limits is also crucial; providers should outline specific areas where they will offer direct support and areas where the parent or caregiver is expected to take the lead. Consistently reinforcing these boundaries during interactions is essential. If a parent or caregiver relies too heavily on the provider, gently redirecting them towards acting themselves, while offering guidance and support as needed, helps maintain these boundaries and encourages independence.
EFMP providers can create a supportive yet empowering environment by establishing clear boundaries, providing education and resources, and encouraging independence. By striking this balance, providers can enable parents and caregivers to become effective advocates for their special needs dependents. This approach not only ensures that families receive the necessary support but also fosters a sense of empowerment and confidence, ultimately benefiting the care recipient’s overall well-being. For more information on advocacy and resources for parents and caregivers check out resources from Military OneSource.
References
EFMP: Helping Families Become Self-Advocates. YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved on June 24, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1djdVS11EF0.
How Providers Can Support Advocacy & Leadership in Parents of Children with Disabilities – OneOp. 2018. Retrieved on June 24, 2024, from https://oneop.org/learn/20323/.
Podcast: Advocating for Yourself & Others. Military OneSource. 2021. Retrieved on June 24, 2024, from https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/podcasts/efmp/advocating/.
*Image Source: iStockphoto 499334271; stevanovicigor
