The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 31 recommendation that the mental health condition is not likely to negatively impact the individual’s ability to hold a security clearance. Special Needs One of the most difficult areas for RMO/Ps is the Special Needs Education Allowance. Although the parameters for this allowance are determined by the Office of Allowances, MED has a significant role in the interpretation of the allowance language both in Washington, via our Child and Family Program, and by our RMO/Ps in the field. While the SNEA cables are issued by Washington, the RMO/Ps are the ones who know the family at post and are most familiar with local resources. Parents are occasionally frustrated with the process, which can feel unwieldy and unhelpful. MED tries hard to get employees and their children where they want to go, but American-standard special needs resources are often difficult to find overseas, and they change constantly. For example, a post may have an excellent speech language ther- apist available, but that individual may be the spouse of another FSO, destined to leave post after two or three years. Keeping track of quality child education resources at posts around the world requires constant input from RMO/Ps, community liaison officers and parents. Ultimately, like all MED providers, RMO/Ps work in chal- lenging environments, trying to meet the needs of our patients in places where there is high stress and often limited resources. Every individual and family is different, so we do our best to tai- lor treatment recommendations to maximize access to care and minimize disruption. n If there is a significant new diagnosis, medical evacuation or serious safety event, then, yes, the medical clearance may be revised, primarily to make sure that needed care is available at post.