ACL is seeking applications from eligible state agencies that will establish, or reestablish, state and local coordinated Lifespan Respite Care systems and deliver respite care and related services to family caregivers of children and adults across all age groups, disabilities, and chronic conditions as defined in the statute. Eligible states applying must fall within one of the following two categories: 1) New States who have not previously received a grant under this program. 2) Returning States who have had at least one (1) Lifespan Respite Program grant, but whose programs have gone dormant or lapsed since federal funding ended and, thus, desire to re-establish their core state respite infrastructures, rather than apply for a Program Enhancement grant. ACL will fund approximately two (2) cooperative agreements for the 3-year project period. All programs must from the outset, address the respite needs of all populations regardless of the age, disability, or chronic condition of the care recipient population. Funded applicants shall use grant funds for new and emergency respite services; activities to recruit and train respite workers and volunteers; assist caregivers with gaining access to needed respite services; continue or increase efforts to target underserved populations across the lifespan, and provide other authorized services as outlined in the Act. It is ACLs expectation that all grantees will, no later than the second and third years of the grant project period, provide respite services while continuing to expand and enhance the statewide respite infrastructure.
