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Internal links (5): Vermont inmate search, send money, Vermont reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub
Voice: Plain, honest, practical. No false comfort. No condescension. She made a choice. Honor it and give her what she needs.
META BLOCK:
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Vermont | InmateAid
Vermont's TANF program is called **Reach Up**. The child-only option for kinship caregivers is the **Reach Up Child Only** grant. When approved, the child also receives **Dr. Dynasaur** -- Vermont's health insurance program for children covering medical, dental, and mental health. The grandparent's income is not counted for the child-only grant.
Vermont's food assistance is called **3SquaresVT**.
Vermont's primary kinship support organization is **Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP)**. The warmline is available **24 hours a day, 7 days a week**: **(802) 871-5104**. VKAP was founded by and is staffed by relatives raising children. They understand kinship care from the inside.
Vermont formally names six types of kinship arrangements -- more specificity than most states provide. One of them, **Conditional Custody**, is a Vermont-specific option that grandparents should know about: it is an alternative to foster care when DCF places a child with a kinship caregiver. When DCF or the court asks which arrangement you prefer -- conditional custody or foster care -- you have the right to express a preference, and the court will consider it.
Vermont was among the most severely affected states per capita in the opioid crisis. In 2014, Governor Peter Shumlin devoted his entire State of the State address to heroin addiction. The families that address was about are the families this article is for. The grandparents who said yes when the grandchildren had nowhere else to go.
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.
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 Vermont right now:
**Call VKAP first: (802) 871-5104 (24/7).** They know Vermont's six kinship arrangement types, the benefit programs, the support groups. They were founded by relatives raising children. They know what you are carrying.
**Apply for Reach Up Child Only, Dr. Dynasaur, and 3SquaresVT.** Call Vermont DCF at **1-800-479-6151** or visit a DCF district office. The grandparent's income is not counted for Reach Up Child Only.
**Get a notarized POA from the incarcerated parent.** VTDOC facilities have notary services -- contact the facility case manager. Vermont law allows a written letter or power of attorney from the parent designating you as the caregiver; include that the parent is incarcerated.
**If DCF placed the grandchildren**: ask your DCF Family Services worker about your options -- conditional custody vs. foster care -- and contact VKAP before deciding.
Vermont's Six Kinship Arrangements
Vermont formally enumerates six types of kinship care arrangements. Understanding which one fits your situation matters for what benefits and legal authority you have.
**1. Informal Arrangement**
No court order. No legal transfer of parental rights. The parents retain legal custody. You are caring for the child by mutual agreement with the parent. You have limited formal authority -- a signed letter from the parent or a POA gives you practical authority for school and medical decisions, but it is not a court order.
**2. Minor Guardianship**
A court order through Vermont Probate Court. Gives the guardian power to make certain decisions about the child. Parental rights are not terminated. This is the most common formal legal pathway for grandparents not in the DCF system.
**3. Conditional Custody**
Vermont-specific. An alternative to foster care for children in DCF cases. When DCF or the court asks you to provide kinship care, you may be asked whether you prefer conditional custody or foster care. Key features:
- Court order through the Family Division
- DCF retains legal custody, but you have physical custody and responsibility for daily care
- Less intensive than foster care licensing
- The court considers your preference -- let your DCF worker and VKAP know your preference clearly
Ask VKAP (802-871-5104) about conditional custody before the hearing if at all possible.
**4. Foster Care**
If DCF has custody of the grandchildren and you wish to become their licensed foster parent, this is the foster care pathway. Requires training, home study, and background checks. Provides foster care maintenance payments. Ask your DCF Family Services worker.
**5. Adoption**
Permanently terminates the biological parent's parental rights. DCF Adoption Unit: **(802) 241-2131**.
**6. Permanent Guardianship**
A court-ordered permanent relationship when reunification is not possible. May come with a guardianship subsidy. Ask your DCF worker or VKAP.
Legal Authority: What It Is and How to Get It in Vermont
**Written Letter or Power of Attorney (Informal)**
Vermont's Kinship Caregivers Guide advises grandparents to:
A. Ask the parents to write and sign a letter stating you are the child's caregiver
B. Ask the parents to give you a Power of Attorney
A notarized POA from the incarcerated parent is the stronger tool. VTDOC facilities have notary services -- contact the facility case manager.
**Minor Guardianship (Vermont Probate Court)**
Minor guardianship gives you a court order and the power to make certain decisions about the child. Vermont Legal Aid (vtlawhelp.org) provides free civil legal help to income-eligible Vermonters. The Vermont Courts Self-Help Center has guardianship forms.
**Conditional Custody (DCF Cases)**
As described above: an alternative to foster care. Express your preference for conditional custody to your DCF worker and to the court. VKAP can help you understand the implications.
Money: What Vermont Offers Kinship Caregivers
**Reach Up Child Only (TANF)**
Vermont's TANF child-only option for kinship caregivers. Key features:
- Grandparent's income is **not counted**
- Based on the child's income and circumstances
- Comes with **Dr. Dynasaur** health insurance for the child
- Apply: call **1-800-479-6151** or visit a DCF district office
- Vermont Kin as Parents can assist with the application: (802) 871-5104
**Dr. Dynasaur (Vermont Children's Health Insurance)**
Vermont's health insurance program for children. Children receiving Reach Up Child Only get Dr. Dynasaur automatically. Also available to income-eligible children who are not on Reach Up. Covers medical, dental, and mental health services. Apply through DCF at 1-800-479-6151 or dcf.vermont.gov/benefits.
**3SquaresVT (SNAP/Food Assistance)**
Vermont's name for SNAP. Apply through DCF at 1-800-479-6151. The grandchildren's presence increases your household benefit.
**Child Care Financial Assistance**
DCF offers child care financial assistance. Contact DCF at 1-800-479-6151.
**Energy Assistance / Fuel Assistance**
Available through DCF as well. Vermont winters matter. Ask about fuel assistance when applying at DCF.
**Guardianship Subsidy (DCF Cases)**
For kinship caregivers who obtain permanent guardianship after a DCF case: guardianship subsidy payments may be available. Ask your DCF Family Services worker.
**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.
Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP): The First Call
Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP) is Vermont's statewide kinship support organization, founded by and staffed by relatives raising children.
**Contact:**
- Warmline (24/7): **(802) 871-5104**
- Email: info@vermontkinasparents.org
- Website: vermontkinasparents.org
**Kinship Navigator Program:**
- Phone: **(800) 565-2023**
- Connects caregivers to services including legal help and financial aid
**What VKAP provides:**
- 24/7 warmline: emotional support, practical guidance, and resource connections tailored to your situation
- Information and referrals on all six kinship arrangement types, benefit programs, and legal options
- Support groups throughout Vermont -- in-person and online; some offer childcare so both caregivers and children can participate
- Educational opportunities and advocacy
- If you are age 55 or older, VKAP will also refer you to your local Area Agency on Aging
VKAP was founded by relatives raising children. The navigators on the warmline have been where you are. That is not a phrase; it is the founding principle of the organization.
**VKAP and the Vermont Kinship Caregivers Guide**
Vermont DCF has published a comprehensive Kinship Caregivers Guide (PDF) at dcf.vermont.gov/pubs. VKAP and DCFS both reference it. Read it.
Vermont's Geographic and Community Reality
Vermont is small and rural. Burlington (Chittenden County) is the largest city. Montpelier the capital. The Northeast Kingdom (Essex, Caledonia, Orleans Counties, northeastern Vermont) is among the most rural and isolated regions in New England.
VTDOC facilities are distributed across the state: Northwest State Correctional Facility (St. Albans, Franklin County), Southern State Correctional Facility (Springfield, Windsor County), Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility (Rutland), and Northeast Regional Correctional Facility (St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County). Vermont is small enough that most facilities are within two hours of Burlington.
VKAP's support groups exist throughout Vermont, both in-person and online. For families in the Northeast Kingdom or other rural areas, the online groups and the 24/7 warmline are the lifeline.
Vermont's opioid crisis arrived early and visibly. By 2014, a sitting governor had devoted his entire State of the State address to heroin. The families the grandparents in this series are caring for -- the grandchildren whose parents are now incarcerated -- are the downstream consequence of that crisis. Vermont knows this. VKAP was built for it.
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, someone to be home, someone to sit with a child who wakes up 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 furious. You can hope for the release and fear what comes after.
VKAP's support groups meet throughout Vermont. Some have childcare. The 24/7 warmline at (802) 871-5104 is staffed by people who have been there. The other grandparents in those support groups are doing what you are doing.
You should not carry this alone. In Vermont, you do not have to.
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 their feelings. Keep the parent present in appropriate ways: photos, letters, phone calls.
VTDOC phone calls go through ICS Corrections / GTL. You control which numbers are approved. The grandchildren's relationship with their incarcerated parent is theirs.
Dr. Dynasaur covers mental health services for children. VKAP can also connect you to counseling resources. 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.
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. VKAP's support groups and warmline, a therapist, a pastor, a trusted person -- any of these is better than holding it alone.
Vermont has resources specifically for families navigating a loved one's addiction and incarceration. Howard Center (802-488-6000) and Northeast Kingdom Human Services (802-334-6744) provide counseling services. VKAP has a resource list.
What to Do First: A Practical Checklist
Call VKAP at (802) 871-5104 (24/7 warmline). A navigator who has been there will help you figure out where to start.
Get a notarized POA from the incarcerated parent through VTDOC notary services. Contact the facility case manager.
Apply for Reach Up Child Only, Dr. Dynasaur, and 3SquaresVT at DCF: call 1-800-479-6151 or visit a district office. The grandparent's income is not counted for Reach Up Child Only.
Ask about Child Care Financial Assistance and Energy/Fuel Assistance at DCF at the same time.
If DCF placed the grandchildren: contact your DCF Family Services worker and VKAP (802-871-5104). Understand your options -- conditional custody vs. foster care. Express your preference before the hearing.
Start the minor guardianship process through Vermont Probate Court. Vermont Legal Aid (vtlawhelp.org) provides free civil legal help.
Read the Vermont Kinship Caregivers Guide at dcf.vermont.gov/pubs.
Enroll grandchildren in school. A parental letter or POA strengthens your enrollment authority. Use McKinney-Vento if needed.
Find a VKAP support group in your area: call (802) 871-5104 or visit vermontkinasparents.org.
Take care of yourself. The warmline is there. You are not alone.
FAQ
**What is Reach Up Child Only?** Vermont's TANF child-only program for kinship caregivers. The grandparent's income is not counted. Comes with Dr. Dynasaur health insurance for the child. Apply at DCF: 1-800-479-6151 or a DCF district office.
**What is Dr. Dynasaur?** Vermont's health insurance program for children. Received automatically with the Reach Up Child Only grant. Also available to income-eligible children independently. Covers medical, dental, and mental health. Apply through DCF at 1-800-479-6151.
**What is 3SquaresVT?** Vermont's name for SNAP (food assistance). Apply through DCF at 1-800-479-6151. The grandchildren's presence increases your household food benefit.
**What is Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP)?** Vermont's statewide kinship support organization, founded by and staffed by relatives raising children. 24/7 warmline: (802) 871-5104. Email: info@vermontkinasparents.org. Website: vermontkinasparents.org. Provides warmline support, information and referrals, support groups throughout Vermont (in-person and online, some with childcare), and advocacy.
**What is Conditional Custody?** A Vermont-specific kinship arrangement that is an alternative to foster care for children in DCF cases. When DCF or the court places a child with you, you may be asked to choose between conditional custody and foster care. The court considers your preference. Contact VKAP at (802) 871-5104 before the hearing to understand the implications.
**What are the six types of kinship arrangements in Vermont?** (1) Informal arrangement (no court order), (2) Minor guardianship (court order; not adoption), (3) Foster care, (4) Conditional custody (alternative to foster care in DCF cases), (5) Adoption, (6) Permanent guardianship. VKAP can explain what each means for your specific situation.
**How do I talk to the grandchildren about their parent being in prison?** Use honest, age-appropriate language without promises about when the parent will be home. Let the children have feelings. Keep the parent present appropriately -- photos, letters, VTDOC phone calls through ICS Corrections/GTL. Dr. Dynasaur covers mental health services; VKAP can connect you to counseling resources; ask the school counselor for referrals.
[SPEC NOTE: Folder 1mWUamVufeanK-LZbmcw4rbPb7yRIWRSP. Internal CTAs: Vermont inmate search, send money, Vermont reentry resources, Staying Connected hub, how prison works hub. SOURCING: dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup/child-only (Reach Up Child Only; Dr. Dynasaur health insurance; read Vermont Kinship Caregivers Guide; call 1-800-479-6151 or DCF district offices; contact VKAP 802-871-5104; footnote full-time HS student eligible through month graduation); vkap.org/vkap (trained Kinship Navigators available 24/7 via warmline 802-871-5104; emotional support practical guidance connect resources tailored specific situation; information referrals legal options guardianship conditional custody financial assistance Child-Only Reach Up Medicaid; support groups throughout Vermont in-person and online safe space connect other kinship caregivers share experiences build supportive community); vkap.org/ (Vermont Kin as Parents mission empower kinship caregivers raising children not their own providing support resources advocacy; serve kinship families throughout Vermont navigating challenges; safe stable nurturing homes children unable live with birth parents; support groups educational opportunities information referral services advocacy); vermontmaturity.com March 2025 (VKAP research children do better other relatives know caregivers maintain connection extended family family history culture traditions better in school fewer behavior problems more settled; VKAP founded staffed relatives raising children understands issues; six types kinship arrangements Vermont: informal arrangement no court order no legal transfer parental rights; minor guardianship court order guardian power make certain decisions; foster care; conditional custody alternative to foster care; adoption; permanent guardianship); vkap.org/conditional-custody (conditional custody alternative to foster care if court or DCF asks consider kinship care may ask which arrangement prefer conditional custody or foster care court will consider preference important understand differences; if open conditional custody DCF Family Services worker will assess suitability; ask DCF Family Services worker; may also call VKAP 802-871-5104); dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/kinship (questions or need help navigating kinship care landscape call VKAP 802-871-5104; visit website vkap.squarespace.com); outside.vermont.gov/dept/DCF Kinship Caregivers Guide PDF (VKAP 802-871-5104; Adoption Unit 802-241-2131; call VKAP 802-871-5104; if age 55 or older referred local Area Agency on Aging; support groups throughout Vermont information about groups call VKAP 802-871-5104; DCF district offices St. Albans 802-527-7741 St. Johnsbury 802-748-8374; POA informal arrangement parents write sign letter you are child's caregiver power of attorney over; conditional custody alternative foster care court/DCF asks prefer conditional custody or foster care court considers preference; foster care; information available online dcf.vermont.gov/pubs); vkap.org/blog kinship mental health June 2025 (VKAP 802-871-5104 info@vermontkinasparents.org; support groups monthly meetups sometimes with snacks; Howard Center 802-488-6000; Northeast Kingdom Human Services 802-334-6744; Kinship Navigator Program 800-565-2023; Vermont Maturity article VKAP); vkap.org/dcf (Benefits Available through DCF 3SquaresVT Child Care Financial Assistance Energy Assistance Fuel Assistance Reach Up; district offices St. Albans 802-527-7741 St. Johnsbury 802-748-8374); freefinancialhelp.net Vermont (grandparents not legal guardian applied foster parents DCF receive TFA approximately $330 per month income not considered child); VTDOC ICS Corrections GTL phone; VTDOC notary services; dcf.vermont.gov 1-800-479-6151; vermontkinasparents.org vkap.org; vtlawhelp.org Vermont Legal Aid; McKinney-Vento school enrollment; Social Security 1-800-772-1213. NOTE for Poorwa: verify Reach Up Child Only still Vermont TANF child-only for kinship caregivers dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/reachup/child-only; verify grandparent income not counted Reach Up Child Only; verify Dr. Dynasaur still Vermont children's health insurance name; verify 3SquaresVT still Vermont SNAP name; verify VKAP 802-871-5104 still 24/7 warmline current; verify info@vermontkinasparents.org current; verify vermontkinasparents.org/vkap.org current; verify Kinship Navigator Program 800-565-2023 still current; verify six kinship arrangement types still current Vermont (informal arrangement minor guardianship foster care conditional custody adoption permanent guardianship); verify conditional custody still Vermont DCF alternative to foster care; verify Vermont DCF Kinship Caregivers Guide still available dcf.vermont.gov/pubs; verify 1-800-479-6151 Vermont DCF current; verify DCF Adoption Unit 802-241-2131 current; verify Howard Center 802-488-6000 current; verify Northeast Kingdom Human Services 802-334-6744 current; verify vtlawhelp.org Vermont Legal Aid current; verify VTDOC ICS Corrections GTL phone provider; verify McKinney-Vento still applicable; verify Vermont no federally recognized tribes (Abenaki state-recognized only); len/character check before publish.]