Virginia will expand respite access and strengthen caregiver support through reimbursement, collaboration, improved information, provider training, technical assistance, and workforce development. - Goals: The project aims to strengthen respite services across Virginia so family caregivers (people supporting children or adults with disabilities or medical conditions) and kinship caregivers, can more easily find relief, reduce stress, and remain healthy. It seeks to expand access, improve service navigation, and build long‑term state and local capacity. Objectives: Key objectives include identifying unmet respite needs, improving access to voucher‑based and AAA‑delivered respite, developing clear online information for caregivers, expanding provider training, and building awareness of respite within future workforce pipelines. Overall Approach: DARS will conduct a statewide gap analysis, continue the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program, partner with Area Agencies on Aging to deliver additional respite, and create a new caregiver resource webpage on Virginia Easy Access. The agency will also provide training for respite providers and technical assistance to AAAs, while engaging schools and colleges to strengthen the future workforce. Outcomes: Expected results include clearer identification of unmet needs, higher follow‑through on approved respite vouchers, expanded reach to first‑time AAA respite users, reduced caregiver burden, and improved access for rural caregivers, caregivers of people with dementia, Native American caregivers, and kinship caregivers. The project will also increase provider competency and strengthen AAAs’ ability to sustain respite programs. Products: Major products include a gap analysis report, a public caregiver resource webpage, training materials, translated resources, and technical assistance tools for AAAs. Duration: Three-year project period starting September 29, 2026 and ending September 29, 2029.
