Review of Exceptional Family Member Program

(a) In general Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall initiate a review of how the Exceptional Family Member Program (in this section referred to as the Program) affects assignment decisions, continuity of care, access to medical, behavioral health, and educational services, and retention and career progression of members across the Armed Forces. (b) Elements The review required by subsection (a) shall— (1) identify military installations where families with an individual in the Program face unavailable, limited, or difficult-to-access services; (2) assess whether current assignment screening and coordination processes under the Program— (A) are effectively ensuring that such families are assigned to locations where needed services are reasonably available; and (B) adequately evaluate the availability, timeliness, and continuity of educational services and related supports required under an existing individualized education program, individualized family service plan, or other applicable educational accommodation for an individual in the Program, including whether families experience significant delays, gaps, or barriers in obtaining comparable services after relocation; (3) evaluate the impact of enrollment of a family member in the Program on assignment opportunities, assignment stability, and readiness of members of the Armed Forces; and (4) identify best practices across the military departments for improving continuity of care and assignment stability for families with an individual in the Program. (c) Report required Not later than April 30, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the review that includes a corrective action plan describing steps— (1) to improve assignment screening for families with an individual in the Program; (2) to increase transparency regarding the availability of services at military installations; (3) to improve how the Department of Defense assesses the availability of educational services at assignment locations and reduces disruptions in implementation of such services following a permanent change of station; (4) to improve coordination among military treatment facilities, the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code), and civilian services providers; and (5) to strengthen relocation support for families with an individual in the Program while moving between duty stations.