S. 3230: Family Caregiver Peer Support Act

This bill, known as the Family Caregiver Peer Support Act, aims to support family caregivers by creating more access to peer support programs. These programs can be in-person or virtual and are intended to assist family members who care for individuals with disabilities or other health issues. The key components of the bill include:

Grants for Peer Support Programs

The bill allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to various eligible entities, such as:

• States
• Nonprofit organizations
• Institutions of higher education
• Aging and disability network entities
• Community colleges
• Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations

These grants are intended to develop or expand programs that offer support to family caregivers.

Using Grant Funds

Organizations that receive grants can use the funds for several purposes, including:

• Expanding peer support programs where family caregivers can share experiences and assist each other with administrative and financial matters.
• Workforce development activities aimed at training, recruiting, and retaining certified peer support specialists.
• Improving access to mental and behavioral health support services for caregivers, including language services for caregivers who do not speak English as their primary language or who communicate using American Sign Language.

Identifying Underserved Communities

The Secretary is tasked with identifying regions and populations that lack adequate peer support programs for family caregivers. This includes pinpointing underserved areas and focusing on their needs.

Priority for Grant Distribution

The bill stipulates that priority should be given to organizations that serve the following:

• Underserved regions and populations
• Low-income communities
• Underserved racial and ethnic communities
• Communities with a high number of immigrants
• Communities where English is not the primary language
• The LGBTQ+ community
• Family caregivers under the age of 35
• Family caregivers with disabilities

Outreach Programs

The Secretary will also conduct outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the availability of grants for family caregiver support programs.

Funding Authorization

The legislation authorizes appropriations of $10 million each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support its initiatives.

Summary

In summary, the Family Caregiver Peer Support Act seeks to enhance support systems for family caregivers through the establishment and expansion of peer support programs. The bill emphasizes accessibility, training, and outreach in order to assist caregivers effectively.

Relevant Companies

None found