Understanding EFMP Legal Assistance Under the NDAA
Military families often ask an important question:
"Can the Legal Assistance Office (JAG) help with my child's special education concerns?"
The answer is YES—but understanding what that means requires much more than a simple yes or no.
Over the past several years, Congress has taken important steps to improve access to education-law legal assistance for Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) families. Through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), military departments were directed to provide legal assistance from attorneys trained in education law. These changes represent meaningful progress for military-connected families navigating special education.
At the same time, many questions remain.
What does the law actually require?
What services can military legal assistance attorneys provide?
How does legal assistance differ for families attending DoDEA schools versus public school districts?
What should families realistically expect when seeking help?
And where are additional improvements still needed?
This resource was created to answer those questions.
Whether you are beginning the special education process, preparing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, facing disagreements with your child's school, or simply trying to understand the educational legal resources available to your family, this guide is designed to help you navigate the current landscape with confidence.
Rather than relying on rumors or incomplete information, this guide examines:
The legislative history behind EFMP education-law legal assistance.
What the NDAA requires—and what it does not.
How military departments have implemented these provisions.
STRIDE's observations regarding implementation and common misconceptions.
The role of the American Bar Association Military Pro Bono Project.
Practical steps families can take to seek support.
Opportunities for continued improvement through future legislation and Department of Defense policy.
This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Every family's circumstances are unique, and readers should consult their installation Legal Assistance Office or a qualified attorney regarding their specific situation.
Click each heading to access the resource.