Toward an equitable, universal caregiver policy: the potential of financial supports for family caregivers.

This article describes the fragmented array of financial supports for family caregivers currently provided by the federal government, the states, and private employers-provisions that range from direct payments to tax allowances, dependent-care tax credits, and unpaid leave. It highlights the uneven pattern of supports available to family caregivers of the elderly, the younger physically disabled, and children and adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities that results from the welfare bias still shaping many current provisions. The article then critiques current policy and examines the potential for more explicit family caregiver financial support policy through pending initiatives of the Clinton Administration.