The Caregiver Access to Resources and Emotional Support (CARES) Hotline Act, a U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) bill, would establish a 24/7 hotline for caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Caregivers are the backbone of support for millions of Americans living with developmental disabilities, but they are too often left without the resources, guidance, and support they deserve,” Menendez said in a statement.
“Our CARES Hotline Act creates a critical lifeline to provide caregivers with emotional support, counseling, and other key services. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support our dedicated and compassionate caregivers and help them continue to make a difference in the lives of so many across our country.”
The CARES Hotline Act was developed after Menendez engaged in conversations with Whole Spectrum Autism, a Jersey City-based autism advocacy group.
These conversations highlighted the struggle caregivers face in navigating the unique challenges of caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.
“No family should be told to figure autism out alone, yet that is the reality for far too many. The CARES Hotline is a critical step toward changing that by giving caregivers a real place to turn in moments of stress, uncertainty, and isolation,” added Whole Spectrum Autism Chief Strategy and Operations Officer Jas Singh.
“This is about more than support, it is about access, guidance, and making sure families are no longer navigating this journey without help. Whole Spectrum Autism is proud to support this effort and stand behind solutions that bring real, immediate impact to our community.”
The CARES Hotline Act would create a nationwide, toll-free, 24/7 hotline staffed by trained professionals who can provide emotional support, brief intervention, and mental health referrals.
It would also offer peer-to-peer counseling so caregivers can connect with others who understand their experiences, as well as establish and maintain a national database of caregiver resources, ensuring timely access to relevant information.
“Caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism, are a vital part of our communities, and many are stretched thin managing complex systems and significant emotional demands without adequate support,” noted Autism Society of America President and CEO Joseph Joyce.
“Establishing a national hotline is a meaningful step toward ensuring caregivers have access to timely information, mental health resources, and compassionate support when they need it most. We commend Representative Menendez for recognizing this critical gap and introducing legislation that prioritizes the well-being of caregivers and, in turn, the individuals they support.”
This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S Reps. Lou Correa (CA-46), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).
Earlier this month, Menendez met with Subodh Garg, who was featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and his sister/autism advocate Aarti Garg to discuss support for those in the autism community and caregivers.
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