Bill proposes Mental Health Program for Parents and Caregivers of People with Disabilities in the State of Rio

The attention often falls on People with Disabilities, but the emotional and psychological challenges faced by those who care for them often remain in the shadows. Who supports caregivers? This question drives the initiative of Bill 616/23, authored by deputies Fred Pacheco (PMN) and India Armelau (PL), which was approved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) this Tuesday (7 ), in a second discussion.

The project aims to create the “Mental Health, Depression and Suicide Prevention Program”, focusing on online psychological care for parents and caregivers of People with Disabilities. This initiative recognizes the emotional toll faced by those who dedicate themselves daily to the well-being of their loved ones with disabilities.

“This project is a significant step towards promoting the mental health and well-being of caregivers, strengthening family bonds and preventing emotional challenges,” said Representative Fred Pacheco.

According to the Bill, the program will be offered to parents and caregivers whose monthly family income does not exceed the equivalent of three minimum wages. Furthermore, the implementation of the program will occur through partnerships with non-governmental organizations, universities, public and private educational institutions, government agencies and other sectors of civil society. The main objective is to prevent illness, stress, depression and suicide among parents and direct caregivers of People with Disabilities.

“Our priority is to provide support and care to parents and carers of People with Disabilities, recognizing the crucial role they play in their lives.” Declared Representative India Armelau.

A crucial innovation of the project is the possibility for the Executive Branch to create a free cell phone application with assistive technology, offering psychological care via videoconference. Scheduling psychological care will be carried out directly in the application, making the process more accessible and practical.

The project’s authors, Deputy Fred Pacheco and Deputy India Armelau, emphasized the importance of offering early psychological support to parents and caregivers of People with Disabilities. The intention is to welcome, reduce psychological challenges and strengthen family ties through qualified information.

Bill 616/23 now awaits the sanction of Governor Cláudio Castro to become law, after being approved yesterday in Alerj.