Probate court offering grants to aid guardians in need

MIDDLETOWN — With the COVID-19 crisis leaving many Connecticut families in financial pain, Probate Judge Joseph D. Marino of the Middletown Probate Court reminds guardians caring for children that they may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants to help with housing, food and transportation as well as summer camp and other enrichment activities.

A guardianship case typically comes before the Middletown Probate Court when parents are unable to care for their children due to addiction, mental illness, incarceration or other circumstances, according to a press release.

In most cases, probate courts appoint a grandparent or other relative to care for the children. In some cases, courts will appoint a close family friend with a long-standing relationship with the child, the release added.

Keeping children with close family and friends provides long-term benefits for the children. Appointed guardians also saves the state an estimated $72 million a year by keeping thousands of children out of foster care.

However, unlike foster parents, court-appointed guardians receive no financial support for taking on this “incredibly important — and often unexpected — responsibility,” according to officials.

For more than a decade, local probate courts have awarded $2 million annually in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of children who meet lowincome guidelines. Because of changing financial circumstances, more guardians may qualify for the grants, which are available now.

“We have all seen the financial devastation that has hit so many families over the past weeks, and that may mean we can assist guardians through Kinship and Respite grants,” Marino said in a prepared statement.

“Even if they did not meet the income requirements before, guardians should take a look at the application to see whether they qualify, because this money exists to help them and the children in their care.”

The Kinship Fund helps pay for necessities, such as eyeglasses and clothing or enrichment activities, including summer camp, art supplies or creative books. These grants are capped at $500 per child or $2,000 per family per year.

The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. They are also capped at $2,000 per year.

Guardians who meet qualifying income requirements can apply to both funds. An application to each fund is required. Amounts awarded locally are determined in Middletown Probate Court.

Applications can be found at ctprobate.gov under the “Children’s Matters” tab or by calling the local probate court.