H.R. 8620: Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support Hotline Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the **Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support Hotline Act** (or CARES Hotline Act), aims to support caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities by establishing a national hotline. The provisions and objectives of the bill include the following:

Establishment of the National Hotline

The bill mandates the creation of a toll-free, 24/7 hotline that will provide:

Emotional support
Information and brief interventions
Mental health resources

The hotline will cater specifically to caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hotline Requirements

The hotline must adhere to specific requirements:

Be accessible via voice and text
Staffed by trained personnel with standardized training in caregiver support, crisis response, and culturally appropriate services
Include peer-to-peer staff who can relate to the caregivers' experiences
Provide referral services to various resources including crisis support, adult services, and in-home support

Consultation and Database Development

The Secretary will consult with the RAISE Family Caregivers Act Advisory Council to ensure that caregivers are connected to appropriate specialized hotline services. Additionally, a national database will be developed, maintained, and regularly updated to catalog services, supports, and resources for these caregivers.

Training Programs

Entities receiving grants or contracts to maintain the hotline will be required to implement training programs for hotline personnel, ensuring they are well-equipped to assist caregivers effectively.

Public Awareness Campaign

The bill calls for national outreach and awareness efforts to inform the public about the hotline. This will involve:

Creating a public-facing website
Developing and distributing educational and promotional materials

Reporting and Evaluation

Beginning one year post-enactment, the Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress regarding the hotline's effectiveness and activities, as well as a directory of organizations for staff referrals.

Definitions and Authorization

The term "eligible entity" refers to nonprofit organizations with national reach and expertise in navigating state service systems. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million annually from fiscal years 2027 to 2032 to support the hotline's establishment and operation.