Respite & Other Support

Family Caregiver Support Program

If you are age 55 or older and raising the child of a relative or friend, you may be eligible for supportive services provided through your local Area Agency on Aging.

This could include:

• Access to respite (e.g., help paying for child care, after school programs and summer camp)

• Caregiver training

• Help finding programs and services

• Support groups and individual counseling

To connect to your local agency, call 1-800-642-5119 or go to https://www.vermont4a.org/

Respite Care through Vermont Kin as Parents

http://vermontkinasparents.org/respite

VKAP has funds available to pay for respite care for children under 18. Funds are limited. Grants are available once a year  and are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.  If the funds are exhausted when you apply:

• You will get a letter explaining the situation.

• Your application will be kept on file in case additional funds become available.

To apply, call VKAP at (802) 871-5104. 

Support Groups

Kinship support groups can be a lifeline for people raising the children of relatives or friends. Resource information, friendship, emotional support and understanding all help kinship caregivers when they get together.

Some groups offer childcare. This makes it easier for folks to attend and allows the children to connect with each other. Several support groups are offered online, and you can participate right from home.

There are kinship support groups throughout Vermont. For information about groups near you, go to the website listed above or call Vermont Kin as Parents at (802) 871-5104.