CARES Hotline Act

This bill establishes a national, toll-free hotline to provide emotional support, information, and referrals to caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. The service would be available 24/7 in both voice and text formats, staffed by trained professionals and peer supporters who can connect callers to local and federal resources. To ensure quality and reach, the program would prioritize partnerships with community organizations and include a public awareness campaign alongside a national database of available services. Funding of $10 million per year from 2027 to 2032 is authorized to maintain the hotline and support related training and reporting requirements.