PRESS ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2025

Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act Introduced in Senate—Includes Recognition for Caregiving Youth

Today, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act, with a companion bill set to be introduced in the House next week by Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI). This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in strengthening respite services for family caregivers—including, for the first time, children under 18 who provide care for family members.

More than 5 million children in the U.S. take on significant caregiving responsibilities for parents, siblings, or grandparents with disabilities or chronic conditions. The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) applauds this recognition, as it marks a long-overdue acknowledgment of the challenges young caregivers face. If passed, this bill would allow states to expand access to respite care, ensuring that Caregiving Youth can receive the breaks they need to stay in school, safeguard their well-being, and transition into healthy adulthood.

The bill reauthorizes $50 million in funding over five years to enhance state respite care systems, recruit and train respite providers, and connect caregivers to essential services.

Next Steps:
AACY urges lawmakers to support this critical legislation. Advocates and supporters can reach out to their Senators and House Members to encourage them to cosponsor the bill. Additional details will be shared as the legislative process moves forward.

The National Respite Coalition is the policy division of the ARCH National Respite Network. Official announcement is found here: