Sponsors (39)
The bill creates a modestly scaled, federally funded grant program to supply no-cost, evidence-based training and caregiver supports—improving outcomes for some families (especially in underserved areas) but reaching relatively few households, with administrative constraints, eligibility requirements that may exclude smaller providers, and modest new federal spending.
Parents and family caregivers of children with autism or developmental disabilities gain no-cost, evidence-based training to improve children's communication, social engagement, and daily living skills.
Caregivers receive coping and self-care strategies that can reduce caregiver stress and improve family well-being.
Access to services is expanded in underserved and medically underserved communities by prioritizing culturally and linguistically appropriate programs.
Program scale is modest relative to national need—funding of 25 grants across at least 15 states may leave many families without access to funded training.
Smaller and newer local providers may be excluded because applicants must demonstrate three years' experience and grants are competitive, limiting local access and provider diversity.
Administrative and reporting requirements (annual evaluations, stakeholder committees, coordination plans) increase burden on applicants and grantees and could divert resources from direct service delivery.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes HRSA to award grants for no-cost, evidence-based caregiver skills training for family caregivers of children with autism or developmental disabilities, with coordination and equity requirements.
Introduced June 23, 2025 by Dave Min · Last progress June 23, 2025
Authorizes the HHS Secretary, through HRSA, to create a Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program that awards grants to eligible entities to deliver no-cost, evidence-based training to family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities or delays. The program aims to improve child and caregiver well-being, teach intervention strategies that increase inclusion in family and community life, and require local stakeholder committees and coordination with Medicaid, schools, early intervention programs, Head Start, payors, and state insurance departments. Applicants must describe experience, proposed activities, plans for coordination and sustainability, and how training will be culturally and linguistically appropriate; the law requires at least 25 grants across at least 15 states with each grant being at least $500,000 over a five-year period, and restricts grant funds to no-cost training and maintaining stakeholder committees.