Lifespan Respite Care Act
(P.L. 109-442)
The Lifespan Respite Care Act (P.L. 109-442) was signed into law in 2006.
It provides for:
- development of lifespan respite programs at the state and local levels;
- planned and emergency respite for family caregivers of children and adults;
- training and recruitment of respite workers and volunteers;
- assistance for caregivers in gaining access to services; and
- establishment of a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care.
In Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, the program received $2.5 million annually.
The APA Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO) is a longstanding advocate for this initiative and has written the APA Fact Sheet on the Lifespan Respite Care Act (P.L. 109-442).
APA's PI-GRO, in collaboration with the Lifespan Respite Task Force, is urging Congress to increase funding for the program to $50 million.
