Funds available for child guardians
STAMFORD — With the coronavirus crisis leaving many families in financial straits, city Probate Judge Gerald M. Fox has reminded child guardians that they might be eligible for grants to help with food, housing, transportation and even summer camp and other enrichment activities.
Due to situations including mental illness, addiction and incarceration, probate courts can appoint a grandparent, relative or close family friend as guardian for children whose parents who cannot care for them. The appointments each year keep thousands of children out of foster care.
Unlike with foster care, however, court appointed guardians receive no financial support for what in many cases is an unexpected and expensive responsibility.
For more than a decade probate courts have awarded annual grants from two state funds, the Kinship Fund and Respite Funds to guardians who meet low income guidelines. Because of changing financial circumstances coming out of the coronavirus crisis more guardians may qualify for the grants, which are available now, Fox said.
“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,” said Fox.
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 per child and per family each year.
The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food.
Guardians who meet qualifying income requirements can apply to both funds. An application to each fund is required. Amounts that are awarded locally are determined in the Stamford Probate Court.
Applications can be found at ctprobate.gov under the Children’s Matters tab or call the Stamford Probate Court at 203 323-2149.