Bill > S701

This bill establishes the Veteran Family Resource Program (VFRP) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support veterans and their families by addressing social determinants of health and providing comprehensive resources. The program requires the VA to appoint at least one family coordinator in each Veterans Integrated Service Network within five years, who will serve as a point person at medical centers to help veterans, caregivers, and survivors access both VA and community resources. Family coordinators will assess veterans' and family members' needs, build relationships, make referrals, and maintain a list of supportive services. The program's goals include connecting veterans to family resources, improving VA healthcare partnerships, capturing data for process improvement, and serving as a community liaison. The bill mandates a report to Congress within two years detailing the program's progress, including the number of veterans and children served, demographic information, service summaries, and participant outcomes. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to conduct a survey of disabled veterans and their families at least every five years to better understand their needs, with a focus on support for children. The legislation also ensures that any programs receiving funds under this act must comply with various federal nondiscrimination laws, protecting against discrimination based on factors such as race, disability, age, and gender.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/701/all-info