Kinship, respite grants can help guardians

OLD SAYBROOK — With the COVID-19 crisis leaving many Connecticut families in financial trouble, Probate Judge Jeannine Lewis of the Saybrook District 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. The Saybrook District Probate Court serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

According to a statement, a guardianship case typically comes before the Saybrook District Probate Court when parents are unable to care for their children due to addiction, mental illness, incarceration or other circumstances. 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 who has a long-standing relationship with the child. Keeping children with close family and friends provides long-term benefits for the children. Appointing guardians also saves the state an estimated $72 million a year by keeping thousands of children out of foster care. However, unlike foster parents, Probate Court-appointed guardians receive no financial support for taking on this incredibly important – and often unexpected – responsibility.

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 low-income 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,” said Judge Lewis. “Even if they did not meet the income requirements before, guardians should take a look at the application to see whether they qualify now, 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 such as summer camp, art supplies or creative books. Kinship grants are capped at $500 per child or $2000 per family per year.

The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. These grants are capped at $2000 per year.

Guardians who meet qualifying income requirements can apply to both funds. An application to each fund is required. Amounts that are awarded locally to children living in the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook are determined in the Saybrook District Probate Court. Previous recipients must reapply to receive funds each year.

Applications can be found at ctprobate.gov under the Children’s Matters tab or you may call your local Probate Court.