PILOT PROGRAM ON COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES.

SEC. 203. PILOT PROGRAM ON COUNSELING IN RETREAT SETTINGS FOR WOMEN VETERANS NEWLY SEPARATED FROM SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES.(a) Pilot Program Required.—(1) In general.—Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out, through the Readjustment Counseling Service of the Veterans Health Administration, a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and advisability of providing reintegration and readjustment services described in subsection (b) in group retreat settings to women veterans who are recently separated from service in the Armed Forces after a prolonged deployment.(2) Participation at election of veteran.—The participation of a veteran in the pilot program under this section shall be at the election of the veteran.(b) Covered Services.—The services provided to a woman veteran under the pilot program shall include the following:(1) Information on reintegration into the veteran’s family, employment, and community.(2) Financial counseling.(3) Occupational counseling.(4) Information and counseling on stress reduction.(5) Information and counseling on conflict resolution.(6) Such other information and counseling as the Secretary considers appropriate to assist a woman veteran under the pilot program in reintegration into the veteran’s family, employment, and community.(c) Locations.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at not fewer than three locations selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program.(d) Duration.—The pilot program shall be carried out during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.(e) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program. The report shall contain the findings and conclusions of the Secretary as a result of the pilot program, and shall include such recommendations for the continuation or expansion of the pilot program as the Secretary considers appropriate.(f) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for each 124 STAT. 1144 of fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $2,000,000 to carry out the pilot program.