Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Connecticut

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Connecticut | InmateAid

Connecticut's DCF Subsidized Guardianship Program pays a monthly stipend equal to the prevailing foster care rate -- currently between $779 and $856 per month depending on the child's age. That is one of the higher kinship guardian payments in this series. It also includes fully paid HUSKY Health (Medicaid) for the child, a one-time payment for custody-transfer expenses, and an additional one-time special-need subsidy of up to $2,000 per child for exceptional expenses.

But -- and this is the most important thing to understand about Connecticut's system -- you only access those payments if the child came through DCF (Department of Children and Families) and you have been in the DCF system.

If the grandchildren came to you without DCF involvement -- if you arranged care directly with the incarcerated parent or the children arrived without a dependency case -- you are in a different pathway. That pathway has real resources too: Connecticut Probate Court Kinship Fund grants, Respite Fund grants, and TFA (Temporary Family Assistance, Connecticut's TANF). But the payment levels are substantially lower.

Understanding which pathway you are in is the first and most important thing.

You did not plan for this. You raised your children. You got to the other side of it. And then your child was incarcerated and the grandchildren needed somewhere to go. You said yes.

This article explains both pathways and what you need to do in each one.

The Decision You Already Made

You already made the hardest decision. The grandchildren are with you. Everything else in this article is about making that workable.

A few things to understand about your position in Connecticut right now:

**If DCF placed the children with you**: you are in the DCF pathway. This is the higher-payment pathway. Your DCF caseworker is your primary contact. Ask about certified relative care status and the Subsidized Guardianship Program.

**If the children came to you without DCF involvement**: you are in the probate court pathway or the informal caregiver category. Your primary contacts are the Connecticut Probate Court, the Department of Social Services for TFA, and the organizations that serve non-DCF kinship families.

**If you are an informal caregiver without any formal arrangement**: you have limited legal authority and limited access to financial assistance until you establish a court relationship.

Connecticut's system is significantly more generous for DCF-involved families than for non-DCF families. This is not equitable, and Connecticut's legislature has studied the gap. It is the reality as of 2025.

Legal Authority: What It Is and How to Get It in Connecticut

**Probate Court Guardianship (Non-DCF Families)**

Connecticut's Regional Children's Probate Courts handle guardianship for families not in the DCF system. To have a parent removed as the child's guardian, you file an application in probate court. Grounds include: parent gives consent, child has been abandoned, child has been denied necessary care and guidance, or child has been harmed. A parent's incarceration provides documented grounds for demonstrating inability to care for the child.

With probate court-appointed guardianship, you have legal authority to:

- Enroll the children in school

- Authorize medical care

- Apply for benefits

- Make day-to-day decisions

Probate court-appointed guardians also become eligible for the Connecticut Probate Court Kinship Fund and Respite Fund grants.

Connecticut Probate Courts provide statewide forms and instructions. Forms are available at ctprobate.gov. Connecticut Legal Services and local legal aid organizations provide free assistance to eligible families. Contact 211 Connecticut at uwc.211ct.org or by dialing 2-1-1 to find legal aid in your area.

**Standby Guardianship**

Connecticut has a specific legal option called Standby Guardianship. A Standby Guardianship lasts up to one year and takes effect when the parent is absent or incapacitated. It can end sooner if the parent's absence ends before a year is up. If the parent dies while a Standby Guardianship is in place, the guardianship continues for 90 additional days to give you time to petition for permanent guardianship.

This is particularly relevant when a parent is incarcerated and the sentence length is uncertain. A Standby Guardianship gives you immediate authority without requiring the more permanent step of removing the parent as guardian.

**DCF Certified Relative Care**

If DCF removes a child from the parent's home due to abuse or neglect, grandparents can ask DCF to place the child with them as a "certified relative caregiver." This gives you the same status as a foster parent. DCF will inspect the home and conduct background checks on all household members before certifying the placement.

Certified relative caregivers receive DCF monthly payments ($20.44-$23.27 per day, approximately $7,460-$8,493 annually depending on child's age). DCF covers the child's medical care through HUSKY Health/Medicaid.

After 18 months in certified relative care, you can ask DCF to transition the child to the Subsidized Guardianship Program -- the monthly stipend pathway with greater permanency.

Money: What Connecticut Offers Kinship Caregivers

**PATH 1: DCF Subsidized Guardianship Program (Higher Payments -- DCF-Involved Families)**

If the children came through DCF and you have been in certified relative care for at least six months, you may be eligible for the DCF Subsidized Guardianship Program.

What it provides:

- Monthly board and care payment equal to the prevailing foster care rate: **$779-$856 per month** per child (depending on age), minus any income the child receives such as Social Security

- Fully paid HUSKY Health (Connecticut's Medicaid) for the child

- One-time payment up to $500 per child for costs directly related to assuming guardianship (custody transfer expenses)

- One-time special-need subsidy up to $2,000 per child for exceptional expenses incurred in the custody transfer process (authorized by PA 24-79, effective July 1, 2024)

Duration: continues until the child turns 18, or until age 21 if the child is in continuous full-time attendance at a secondary school, postsecondary vocational-technical school, college, or university.

Annual review: DCF's Subsidy Unit reviews each subsidy annually. You submit a sworn statement confirming the child still lives with you and is still receiving your financial support. You may request a hearing if you disagree with a modification or termination.

Tell your DCF caseworker you are interested in the Subsidized Guardianship Program. You can also find information at portal.ct.gov/dcf and at uwc.211ct.org.

**PATH 2: Probate Court Kinship Fund and Respite Fund (Non-DCF Families)**

If you went through probate court and are NOT receiving DCF benefits, Connecticut's Probate Courts offer two specific grant programs:

**Kinship Fund:**

- $550 per child per year, up to a maximum of $2,200 per family per year

- Must be used for the child's health (eyeglasses, dental, hearing); enrichment (school field trips, clubs, sports fees, educational classes, tutoring, art supplies, books); development (clothing for milestone events, photographs); and basic needs (school clothes and supplies, coats, hats, mittens, boots, sneakers)

**Respite Fund:**

- Up to $2,200 per family per year to directly benefit the guardian

- Can be used for rent, rental deposits, household furnishings, utilities, food, transportation, and other expenses the court determines appropriate

Eligibility for both: you must be a guardian appointed by a Regional Children's Probate Court or Superior Court; you must qualify for a probate court fee waiver or be determined by a probate judge to be in need; you must NOT be receiving DCF benefits or subsidies.

Applications at the clerk's office of your probate court or at ctprobate.gov.

**TFA (Temporary Family Assistance)**

TFA is Connecticut's name for TANF. Grandparents who take a grandchild without DCF involvement and without seeking court guardianship can receive TFA benefits as the child's "supervising relative." The TFA payment is substantially smaller than the DCF subsidized guardianship rate. Children who receive TFA also receive Medicaid (HUSKY Health).

Connecticut allows non-related adults to receive TFA child-only grants if they have obtained or are seeking legal custody or guardianship of the children. Apply through the Department of Social Services. Contact 211 Connecticut for your nearest DSS office.

**HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid)**

Children in kinship care are generally eligible for HUSKY Health, Connecticut's Medicaid program. It covers doctor visits, dental, prescriptions, mental health services, emergency care, and vision. Both DCF-involved and non-DCF-involved children can access HUSKY Health. Apply through DSS or through your DCF caseworker.

Get the grandchildren enrolled in HUSKY Health as quickly as possible.

**SNAP (Food Assistance)**

Apply for SNAP through the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The grandchildren's presence increases your household benefit level. Contact 211 Connecticut for your nearest DSS office.

**Social Security**

If the incarcerated parent was working before arrest, the grandchildren may be eligible for Social Security dependent benefits. Call 1-800-772-1213. SSI may be available for grandchildren with disabilities.

Understanding the Gap

The difference between the DCF pathway ($779-$856/month) and the probate court pathway (TFA, which is much smaller, plus Kinship Fund grants of $550/child/year) is significant. Connecticut's legislature has studied this gap and acknowledged it is inequitable. The gap exists because federal foster care funding flows through DCF placements; non-DCF families only access the smaller state and probate court resources.

If you are currently in the non-DCF pathway and the children were not in a dependency case: you cannot retroactively enter the DCF system. But knowing the gap exists means you can accurately assess what you are entitled to and advocate for yourself through the probate court Kinship and Respite Fund programs.

If DCF is or becomes involved: ask explicitly about certified relative care status and the Subsidized Guardianship Program from the beginning. Do not assume DCF will volunteer this information.

The School Question

With guardianship documents (probate court or DCF placement), school enrollment is straightforward.

Without legal authority, use the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Schools must immediately enroll children who lack stable housing documentation, including children living with relatives due to a parent's incarceration. Ask the school district's McKinney-Vento liaison if the school creates barriers.

For children with IEPs or 504 plans, you need legal authority or a signed parental authorization from the incarcerated parent to participate in planning meetings. Connecticut DOC facilities have notary services -- contact the facility case manager.

Medical Authorization Before Court Paperwork Is Done

Without legal authority, routine medical care may be refused in non-emergency situations. Emergency care cannot be denied.

The fastest fix: a notarized parental consent form. An incarcerated parent at a Connecticut DOC facility can sign a notarized authorization. DOC facilities have notary services -- contact the facility case manager.

Enroll the grandchildren in HUSKY Health (Connecticut Medicaid) through DSS or your DCF caseworker as quickly as possible. Health coverage is one of the most urgent needs when children arrive.

Key Connecticut Resources

**211 Connecticut**

uwc.211ct.org | dial 2-1-1

United Way of Connecticut's information and referral service. Comprehensive directory of kinship care resources, legal aid, DSS offices, and support services. Your first call when you do not know where to start.

**Connecticut Probate Courts**

ctprobate.gov

Guardianship forms, Kinship Fund and Respite Fund applications, and probate court locations. The primary court for non-DCF kinship families.

**DCF Kinship Care**

portal.ct.gov/dcf/knowledge-base/categories/foster-care-and-adoption/kinship-care

Information on the Subsidized Guardianship Program, certified relative care, and DCF kinship programs.

**Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)**

ct.gov/dss

Apply for TFA, HUSKY Health, and SNAP. Contact through 211 Connecticut for your nearest office.

**Connecticut Legal Services**

ctlegalservices.org | 1-800-453-3320

Free legal help for income-eligible Connecticut residents. Handles guardianship, TFA, Medicaid, and other issues for kinship caregivers.

What She Is Carrying That He Cannot See

You did not plan for this stage of your life. The grandchildren arrived and with them came school forms, doctor appointments, lunches, someone to be home at 3pm, someone to sit with a child who is afraid.

You are also carrying your feelings about your child who is incarcerated. Those feelings do not have to resolve. You can love your child and be angry. You can hope and fear the same outcome.

Connecticut is a small state. Its communities are tight and news travels. Some people in your life disappear when the news is bad. What you need -- one person who can sit with you in this without making it about themselves -- is harder to find than it should be.

211 Connecticut at uwc.211ct.org can connect you to support groups and caregiver services in your area.

Talking to the Grandchildren About Where Their Parent Is

The children know something is wrong. Silence does not protect them.

Use honest, age-appropriate language. For a young child: "Your dad made a mistake and he has to stay somewhere else while he learns from it. You are safe and I am here." For an older child: "Your mom is in prison. She did something against the law and a judge decided she needs to be there for a while. She loves you. She is not in danger."

Do not make promises about when the parent will be home that you cannot keep. Let the children have feelings. Keep the parent present in appropriate ways: photos, letters, phone calls.

Connecticut DOC phone calls go through Securus Technologies. You control which numbers are approved. The grandchildren's relationship with their incarcerated parent belongs to them.

HUSKY Health covers mental health services for children. If the grandchildren are struggling, ask the school counselor for a referral.

Your Relationship With Your Incarcerated Child

Your feelings about your child are complicated. You are raising their children because they cannot. Both things are true at once.

What the grandchildren need: to see that you are not punishing their parent through them.

What you need: a place to hold the complicated feelings that is not in front of the grandchildren. Support groups, a therapist, a trusted person -- any of these is better than carrying it alone.

What to Do First: A Practical Checklist

Identify which pathway you are in. If DCF placed the children, contact your DCF caseworker about certified relative care status and the Subsidized Guardianship Program. If DCF is not involved, proceed to Probate Court.

If non-DCF: file for guardianship at your county Regional Children's Probate Court. Forms at ctprobate.gov. Contact Connecticut Legal Services (1-800-453-3320) for free help. Consider Standby Guardianship if the situation is temporary.

Get a notarized parental consent from the incarcerated parent through Connecticut DOC notary services for immediate medical and school authorization.

Apply for HUSKY Health through DSS or your DCF caseworker. Apply for SNAP at the same time. Apply for TFA if applicable.

If you have probate court guardianship and are NOT receiving DCF benefits, apply for the Kinship Fund and Respite Fund grants at ctprobate.gov.

Enroll the grandchildren in school. Use McKinney-Vento if needed.

Call 211 Connecticut. dial 2-1-1 or uwc.211ct.org. Let them connect you to the services available in your specific town.

Take care of yourself. You made the right decision. Now find the people who can help you carry it.

FAQ

**What is the DCF Subsidized Guardianship Program and how much does it pay?** The DCF Subsidized Guardianship Program provides a monthly stipend equal to the prevailing foster care rate -- currently $779-$856 per month per child depending on age -- plus fully paid HUSKY Health for the child, a one-time payment up to $500 for custody-transfer expenses, and a one-time special-need subsidy up to $2,000. It is available when the child has been in DCF certified relative care for at least six months and guardianship is the permanent plan. Ask your DCF caseworker about eligibility.

**What are the Probate Court Kinship Fund and Respite Fund?** Two grant programs for court-appointed guardians who are NOT receiving DCF benefits. The Kinship Fund provides $550 per child per year (up to $2,200 per family) for health, enrichment, development, and basic needs expenses for the child. The Respite Fund provides up to $2,200 per year for the guardian's own expenses including rent, utilities, food, and transportation. Apply at ctprobate.gov or your local probate court clerk's office.

**What is TFA?** TFA stands for Temporary Family Assistance -- Connecticut's name for TANF. It is available to grandparents who are raising grandchildren without DCF involvement. The payment is substantially smaller than the DCF subsidized guardianship rate. Children who receive TFA also receive HUSKY Health (Medicaid). Apply through the Department of Social Services; contact 211 Connecticut for your nearest office.

**What is Standby Guardianship?** A Connecticut legal option for situations where a parent is temporarily unable to care for a child -- including due to incarceration. A Standby Guardianship lasts up to one year and gives you immediate legal authority. It can end sooner if the parent's incapacity ends. If the parent dies, the standby guardianship continues 90 additional days for you to petition for permanent guardianship. Forms at ctprobate.gov.

**Can I enroll my grandchildren in school without guardianship papers?** Yes. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, schools must immediately enroll children living with relatives due to a parent's incarceration even without typical documentation. Ask the school district's McKinney-Vento liaison.

**What is HUSKY Health?** HUSKY Health is Connecticut's Medicaid program for children. It covers doctor visits, dental, prescriptions, mental health services, emergency care, and vision. It is automatic for children in the DCF system and available for income-eligible children not in DCF. Apply through DSS or your DCF caseworker.

**Who does 211 Connecticut serve and what can they help with?** 211 Connecticut (uwc.211ct.org; dial 2-1-1) is United Way of Connecticut's information and referral service. They can connect you with legal aid, DSS offices, support groups, kinship care resources, and community services specific to your town. It is the best first call when you do not know where to start.