This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Kinship & Respite Fund Grants Available to Help Guardians with School Expenses

With adults already thinking back-to-school, Probate Judge Jeannine Lewis reminds court-appointed guardians to apply for grants for school supplies. Probate courts have been awarding grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to court-appointed guardians for more than a decade. As of last October, eligibility for the grants was expanded beyond relatives serving as guardians to all those appointed by the Probate Courts who meet low-income guidelines.

A guardianship case typically arises in the Saybrook District Probate Court when parents are unable to care for their children due to mental illness, substance abuse, or incarceration. In most cases, probate courts appoint a grandparent or other relative to care for the children. In some cases, courts appoint a close family friend who has a long-standing relationship with the child. While foster parents receive funds from the state, court-appointed guardians do not; guardians who meet eligibility requirements can receive some assistance through the Kinship and Respite Fund grants.

“Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and neighbors who keep children in their familiar environments instead of going to foster care off an enhanced quality of life to the children in their care and simultaneously save the state tens of millions of dollars. In many cases, the guardians don’t really have extra money to spend on a child’s basic needs,” said Lewis. “Kinship and Respite Grants are there to help bridge the gap and make a huge difference to the households who apply for, and receive them.”

The Kinship Fund assists guardians in paying for necessities such as school supplies, clothing, eyeglasses, school trips, and sports fees. Often such expenses are paid directly to the providers. Kinship 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, housing, transportation, and food. These grants are capped at $2,000 per year.

Guardians who meet income requirements can apply to both funds. Previous recipients must reapply to receive funds each year. Applications are posted at ctprobate.gov under the Children’s Matters tab.

The District of Saybrook Probate Cour serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.