Family Caregiver Peer Support Act
Summary
The Family Caregiver Peer Support Act aims to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for developing or expanding both in-person and virtual peer support programs tailored for family caregivers. The bill prioritizes underserved regions, low-income communities, and specific demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act will increase the availability of peer support programs for family caregivers. It will also provide resources for training peer support specialists and enhancing virtual support services. This will be achieved through grants to eligible entities, including states, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased support for family caregivers through peer programs.
- Enhanced access to mental and behavioral health services for caregivers.
- Workforce development in the field of peer support specialization.
- Prioritized support for underserved communities and vulnerable populations.
- Improved navigation of administrative and financial processes for caregivers.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of grant funds.
- Limited scope of the program may not address all caregiver needs.
- The Act relies on appropriations, which may not be consistently funded.
- Possible administrative overhead in managing the grant program.
- The definition of 'family caregiver' could be interpreted differently across states, leading to disparities.
Constitutional Alignment
The Family Caregiver Peer Support Act appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution's preamble, particularly the goal to "promote the general Welfare." The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights enumerated in the Constitution or its amendments. The Act falls under Congress's power to legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).