There are many offices within the State Department that are able to help you navigate the sometimes-complex process of identifying your child's educational needs and securing the best support and allowances. These offices include the Child and Family Program (CFP), the Family Liaison Office (FLO), the Foreign Service Institute's Transition Center (FSI TC), and the Office of Overseas Schools.
The Special Needs Seminar is now called: Educating Your Special Needs Child in the Foreign Affairs Community | Non-Tuition | Email | Last Video recording: November 2020
This seminar was created to specifically meet the needs of FS families who need to understand and navigate Department of State services available overseas to children with special needs. Topics include schooling, allowances, medical clearances, etc.
By Tammie Gandy, Foreign Service Journal June 2011 (Pgs 90-105)
by Pamela Ward, Foreign Service Journal June 2008 (Pgs 91-94)
By Francesca Huemer Kelly, Foreign Service Journal June 2006 (Pgs 80-92)
By Erin Long, Foreign Service Journal, June 2012
a State Department resource list
By Michelle Grappo, Foreign Service Journal, June 2014
By Maureen M. Danzot and Mark R. Evans, Foreign Service Journal,
June 2016
Resources for Kids
About State's new Child and Family Program (CFP)
The Department’s Office of Medical Services (MED) has established the Child and Family Program (CFP) to support employees whose children require mental health treatment and/or special educational
consideration overseas. CFP is assuming responsibility for
services for children previously provided by MED’s Employee
Consultation Services (ECS) section and is responsible for certifying
eligibility for the Special Needs Educational Allowances (SNEA). Some
services provided by CFP for employees overseas may require the family be enrolled in ICASS and have access to the Department Medical Program.
Located in Washington, D.C., within MED/Mental Health Services, CFP is made up of a multidisciplinary team including child psychologists, social workers and a child psychiatrist. CFP will work with parents to ensure children's mental health and special educational needs are identified, appropriately assessed and an effective treatment and educational plan established and appropriate medical clearance obtained in advance of and during overseas assignments. CFP will assist overseas families with arranging testing and evaluations for children with learning or behavioral problems. CFP is the point of contact for families to request the processing of SNEA and also to renew authorization of funding.
Contact the CFP through the Office of Medical Services: Columbia Plaza, SA-1, Room H-246; Phone undefined (202) 663-1903
Office of Overseas Schools
Office of Allowances
Family Liaison Office
Gifted Children:
