Kinship Care In Vermont

Care for the child of a relative or friend — for a short while or a longer period.

Why Kinship Care Happens

It can happens for many reasons, including when parents are:

• Unwilling or unable to safely care for their children
• Seriously ill or deceased
• Separated from their children by choice or circumstance (e.g., deportation, incarceration, military deployment or substance use disorder treatment)

How It Happens / Learn More

The two most common ways children come into the care of relatives or family friends are:

1. VOLUNTARILY:
   When parents arrange for relatives or friends to care for their children while they can’t. Read the Kinship Caregivers Guide to learn more.
    
2. INVOLUNTARILY:
   When a family court orders the removal of a child from their home as the result of a juvenile court proceeding.
    
   • Read this brochure to learn more: A Child You Know May Need Temporary Care Information for Relatives & Friends
      
   • If you're considering getting licensed to foster a child, read A Guide for Foster & Kinship Foster Families in Vermont.

Vermont Kin As Parents (VKAP)

If you have questions or need help navigating the kinship care landscape, call VKAP at (802) 871-5104. They can help you understand the kinship options and supports that might be available.

Visit their website at https://vkap.squarespace.com/ to learn more.