Kinship Options in Vermont

 

There are six types of kinship arrangements in Vermont. Make sure you know and understand the differences in available options before choosing the best one for you and your family.

Informal Arrangement

Informal Arrangement
Minor Guardianship

Minor Guardianship
Conditional Custody

Conditional Custody
Foster Care

Foster Care
Permanent Guardianship

Permanent Guardianship
Adoption

Adoption

Different options may result in:

  • Different sources of support to help you care for the child

  • Varying levels of authority to make decisions for the child

When choosing which kinship option to pursue, it’s important to ask yourself questions such as:

  •  How long might the child live with us?

  •  How long can we provide a home for the child?

  •  What type of kinship arrangement would we like to have?

  •  What are the options available to us?

  •  What rights and responsibilities does each option bring?

  •  Will we need the authority to make certain decisions?

  •  What authority does each option give us?

  •  How might the arrangement we choose affect:

  •  The financial assistance that might be available to help us care for the child/youth

  •  The youth’s ability to access financial aid for college

If you need help deciding which option to pursue, call Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP) at (802) 871-5104.

VKAP can help you:

  •  Think through the issues you will face

  •  Understand the options available and how each one could affect the child and your family

  •  Make the decision that is right for you

Depending on the complexity of your situation, you may also want to consult a lawyer with expertise in this area. See Legal Resources here.