The CARES Hotline Act would establish a new national hotline to support caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The hotline would operate 24/7 as a toll-free service offering voice and text support, staffed by trained professionals and peer counselors who can provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local and federal resources. The legislation requires the hotline to offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain it either directly or through a grant or contract with a qualified nonprofit organization. The bill authorizes $10 million annually in funding for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 and requires annual reports to Congress on the hotline's effectiveness. The initiative targets family members and household members who provide care for people with developmental disabilities, aiming to connect them with mental health support and available services in their communities.
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