This bill mandates the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to establish a Bereavement Counseling Program specifically for family members and volunteer caregivers of veterans who have died by suicide. The program aims to provide mental health support through a network of qualified clinicians, who will donate their time to offer counseling services at no cost to the participants. The DMVA will facilitate the application process, which will be available for up to five years following the veteran's death, and counseling sessions can be accessed for up to 24 months after approval. Each eligible family member or caregiver can receive a maximum of 30 counseling hours per year.
The bill outlines the definitions of key terms such as "family member," "volunteer caregiver," and "veteran," ensuring clarity in who qualifies for the program. It also stipulates that the DMVA will work with Veteran Service Officers and funeral directors to provide necessary information and assistance to those eligible for the program. Additionally, the DMVA is authorized to seek grants to support the implementation of the program. The act is set to take effect six months after its enactment, allowing the DMVA to prepare for its launch.