ACL Announces Call for Nominations for Two Advisory Councils
March 2022
The RAISE Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council
Authorized by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-119) – commonly referred to as the “RAISE Family Caregivers Act” – the Family Caregiving Advisory Council will support the preparation of updates to the Initial Report to Congress that will be released every other year. These updates may include new developments, challenges, opportunities, and solutions to better recognize and support family caregivers, along with recommendations to update and improve the National Family Caregiving Strategy.
Up to 15 non-federal voting members from the following groups will be appointed for three-year terms: family caregivers; older adults who need long-term services and supports; individuals with disabilities; health care and social service providers; providers of long-term services and supports; employers; paraprofessional workers; state and local officials; accreditation bodies; veterans; and as appropriate, other experts and advocates engaged in family caregiving. Those selected to serve on the Advisory Council will reflect the diversity of family caregivers and those persons receiving services and supports. Nominations are sought from individuals representing the aging and disability communities, tribes, racial and ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ communities, and other underrepresented and underserved populations.
To be considered for selection, nominations – including all requested information and attachments – must be submitted electronically to: RAISE.mail@acl.hhs.gov by 11:59 PM ET on April 11, 2022.
The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is authorized by the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-196). The Advisory Council will support the and preparation of updates to the Initial Report to Congress that will be released every other year. The Advisory Council will also help update the sections of the National Family Caregiving Strategy pertaining to grandparents and older relative (kinship) caregiver support. The Advisory Council may also help inform the work of the newly established Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network: A National Technical Assistance Center.
ACL anticipates selecting up to 10 non-federal members to serve on the Advisory Council. These members will reflect the diversity of grandparents, older relative/kinship caregivers, and the professionals working on their behalf, with particular emphasis on individuals representing racially and ethnically diverse communities, tribal communities, and families impacted by the opioid crisis.
To be considered for selection, nominations – including all requested information and attachments – must be submitted electronically to: SGRG.mail@acl.hhs.gov by 11:59 PM ET on April 11, 2022.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
