Sponsors (40)
Authorizes an HRSA pilot grant program to fund no-cost, evidence-based caregiver skills training for family caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The bill funds no‑cost, evidence‑based caregiver training that can improve outcomes for young children with autism and support family caregivers, but it concentrates federal dollars in larger, experienced providers, creates administrative and financing hurdles for smaller organizations, and increases federal spending.
Families of young children (ages 0–9) with autism or developmental disabilities receive no-cost, evidence-based caregiver training to improve child communication, social engagement, and daily living skills.
Family caregivers receive training in coping and self-care, which can reduce caregiver stress and improve overall family well‑being.
Grants are structured to reach at least 25 entities across 15 states with minimum five‑year awards, supporting broader geographic access and sustained program funding for communities.
Smaller or newer community providers without three years' prior experience may be excluded from grant eligibility, limiting local access in rural and low‑resource areas.
The $500,000 minimum grant size (over five years) and guaranteed number of sizeable awards may concentrate funds at larger organizations, reducing opportunities for numerous smaller programs.
Taxpayers fund $10 million per year (plus at least $12.5 million in guaranteed grant commitments), increasing federal spending and creating potential budget tradeoffs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Official title: To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants for providing evidence-based caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities or delays, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 23, 2025 by Dave Min · Last progress June 23, 2025
Authorizes a new HHS/HRSA Caregiver Skills Training Pilot Program that will award grants to eligible organizations to train family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities or delays. Grants must deliver evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate training at no cost to families, form local stakeholder committees, coordinate with state and community systems, and be awarded to at least 25 entities across at least 15 states with a minimum of $500,000 per grant over five years.