November 6, 2020
With the formation of the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council and development of a National Family Caregiving Strategy, ACL anticipates a nationwide focus on the key issues of improving access to respite, addressing workforce issues, and understanding the role of natural supports.
Under its Lifespan Respite Care Program, ACL has awarded $562,737 to the Center for Health Policy Development, National Academy for State Health Policy. The three-year grant funds these special projects that will add to the work of the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center.
- Workforce Development: Develop, test, and scale a respite workforce recruitment, training, and retention program to better meet the needs of culturally and geographically diverse families, with particular attention to the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce.
- State-based Respite Planning: Develop and test a state-based framework for respite system planning and development, which ties to the emerging National Caregiving Strategy.
- Natural Supports: Enhance local and state approaches to supporting caregivers and families as they develop/strengthen natural support systems (network of family, friends, etc.), ensuring strategies are family-centered and culturally competent.