Resources

VERMONT KIN AS PARENTS can help you sort through some of the issues and needs that you may experience as a relative who is caring or potentially caring for a child. The choices you make early in the process will impact you and the child for a long time. It is important that you fully undestand the choices you may have and the long term impact of each. VKAP can help you understand the finatial assistance, childcare, medical insurance and the day to day supports that may be available to you and refer you directly to those who can help you access the benefits as well suggest other resources that may be helpful. Because we are a grassroots organization and many of us are caring for relatives' children we understand the many aspects of being a kinship caregiver.

There have been recent legislative changes that impact relatives, particularly where the parents and children are involved with DCF Family Services. Click here to view a chart that outlines the differences in the supports available to kinship families depending on legal standing

Call 802-338-4725 or click here to send an email

VERMONT 211 can direct you to resources for help you need.

Vermont 2-1-1 is a simple number to dial for information about health and human service organizations in your community. By dialing 2-1-1, information is much easier to find. At Vermont 2-1-1, callers will speak with a real person every time. Call Specialists will problem solve and refer callers from throughout Vermont to government programs, community-based organizations, support groups, and other local resources. Vermont 2-1-1 is:

A local call from anywhere in Vermont.
Confidential telephone assistance.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Live translation services for 170 languages.
Access for persons who have special needs.
Ability to transfer emergency calls to 9-1-1.
Accurate, updated information about community resources in Vermont

LEGAL RESOURCES

Relatives who are willing to care for the children when the parents are unable to do so often have many legal questions. The following resources may help to answer some questions or refer you directly to appropriate attorneys. If you are involved in Family Court, you may be able to request an attorney if one is needed and you are unable to afford the cost. It is up to the Court whether or not you qualify

VERMONT LAWYER REFERRAL LINE: $25 for ½ hour consultation with an attorney who has training in the area you need. 1-800-585-8852

VERMONT LEGAL AID: 1-800-789-4195, ask for a referral to the Volunteer Project Line

VERMONT LAW LINE: 1-800-639-8857

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Taking on the Responsibility of a child or children when you had not planned for it can be challenging financially. If the child is in foster care through DCF and you become a foster parent, you will be eligible for monthly foster care payments. If you have legal guardianship you may be eligible for assistance for the child through DCF Economic Services.

DCF’S ECONOMIC SERVICES DIVISION can provide cash assistance through the Reach Up Program to who are caring for a child under the age of 18 who has little or no income. The income level of the relative caregiver may be excluded in order to provide assistance to the child.

Contact your local office. For a list of offices:
http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/contact_us/district_offices or call 1-800-479-6151

For additional financial resources see pages 10-13 of the RESOURCE GUIDE FOR KINSHIP CARE PROVIDERS

REQUEST A COPY from VKAP: 802-338-4725

CHILD CARE

Child Development Resources, Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division (CDD)

CDD is charged with improving the well-being of Vermont’s children by ensuring that safe, accessible, and quality child care services are available for every child. For information about child care providers, financial help for child care, and additional programs available:

800-649-2642 or (802) 241-3110 or http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/child_care_financial_assistance

HEALTH INSURANCE

The child you are caring for may be eligible for a State health insurance program called Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur. A range of services is covered for medical, dental, therapeutic, family support or other needs.

Call 1-800-250-8427 or visit http://dcf.vermont.gov/health_insurance

IF YOU ARE 55 OR OVER

The local Agencies on Aging offer support to grandparents and others who are caring for the children of others. If you are 55 or over, contact the Agency in your area for more information.

Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont

St Johnsbury Location
481 Summer Street Suite 101
St Johnsbury, VT 05819

Phone: (802) 748-5182
Phone: 1-800-642-5119
[Toll Free] Fax: (802) 748-6622

Newport Location
59 Waterfront Plaza Unit 14
Newport, VT 05855
Phone: (802) 334-2190
Website: http://www.nevaaa.org/

Central Vermont Council on Aging

30 Washington Street
Barre, VT 05641

Phone: (802) 479-0531
Phone: 1-800-642-5119
Fax: (802) 479-4235
E-mail: CVCoA@cvcoa.org
Website: http://www.cvcoa.org

Champlain Valley Agency on Aging

76 Pearl Street, Suite 201
Essex Junction, VT 05452

Phone: (802) 865-0360
Senior Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 (In Addison, Chittenden, Franklin & Grand Isle Counties) From all other areas - call 1-800-639-2084
Fax: (802) 865-0363
E-mail: info@cvaa.org
Website: http://www.cvaa.org/

Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont

56 Main Street Suite 202
Springfield, VT 05156

Phone: (802) 885-2655
Phone: 1-800-642-5119
Fax: (802) 885-2665
E-mail: information@coasevt.org
Website: http://www.coasevt.org/

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging

East Ridge Professional Building,
1085 US Route 4 East,
Unit 2B
Rutland, VT 05701

Phone: (802) 786-5990
Phone: 1-800-642-5119
Fax: (802) 786-5994
E-mail: seniorhelpline@svcoa.org
Website: http://www.svcoa.org/

OTHER RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

There are many agencies throughout Vermont both at the state and local levels that can help you as you care for your relative's child, and navigate family relationships, your own emotions, the child's needs and much more. VKAP was founded by kin who are raising the children of relatives, and who have experienced much of what you may be going through. Please call if you need help to find the services and supports your may need for your family.

CASEY FAMILY SERVICES
http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/index.php/ourdivisions/vermont/

Winooski office: 802-655-6688 or 1-800-244-1408 toll-free
White River Junction office: 802-296-8900 or 1-800-607-1400 toll-free

LUND FAMILY CENTER
http://www.lundfamilycenter.org/

802-864-7467 or 1-800-639-1741 toll free

VERMONT CHILDREN’S AID
http://www.vtcas.org/

802-655-0006 or 1-800-479-0015

WASHINGTON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH GRANDPARENT SUPPORT PROJECT
http://www.wcmhs.org/

802-476-1480