Vermont Kin as Parents Respite Grant: VKAP Support for Kinship Caregivers
What VKAP Does
Vermont Kin as Parents is a statewide program that supports grandparents and relatives raising children who aren't their own. It's not a government agency — it's a peer-driven support network funded through state legislative appropriations, and it fills a gap that the formal benefit system doesn't cover.
VKAP provides three things most kinship caregivers need: someone who understands, practical information about navigating Vermont's systems, and small grants for the expenses that fall through the cracks.
The Respite Grants
VKAP administers state-funded respite grants for kinship families. "Respite" is broadly defined — it's not just about babysitting so you can rest (though it includes that). Grants can help with:
- Short-term caregiver relief (hiring a sitter so you can attend a medical appointment or just take a break)
- Youth extracurricular fees — sports registration, music lessons, art classes
- Summer camp tuition
- Essential clothing and equipment the child needs
These are discretionary, non-entitlement grants. They're funded through the state legislature and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. When the annual allocation runs out, grants stop until the next funding cycle.
Who Can Apply
You're eligible if you're a relative raising a child whose legal parents are not living in the home. This includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, cousins, and family friends. You don't need a court order or a guardianship — informal caregivers qualify.
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How to Request a Grant
Contact VKAP directly at (802) 871-5104. There's no lengthy application form — you explain your situation and what you need help with, and VKAP determines whether the request fits their current funding and guidelines.
Because grants are first-come, first-served, apply as soon as a need arises rather than waiting.
Peer Support and Navigation
Beyond the grants, VKAP connects kinship families with each other. Raising a grandchild or niece when you expected to be done with active parenting is isolating. VKAP's peer network helps caregivers share practical knowledge — which DCF office is most helpful, how to handle school enrollment, what to expect at a probate hearing.
They also help caregivers navigate the broader benefit system. VKAP staff can point you toward Reach Up Child Only, 3SquaresVT, CCFAP childcare assistance, and Dr. Dynasaur health coverage — programs that many kinship families don't know they're eligible for.
VKAP Isn't a Substitute for Public Benefits
Respite grants are small and intermittent. They're not designed to replace monthly cash assistance from Reach Up Child Only or food benefits from 3SquaresVT. Think of VKAP as the support that fills gaps the formal system misses — a week of summer camp, a winter coat, a few hours of childcare when you need a break.
For the ongoing financial foundation, you'll want to apply for the full range of Vermont benefits available to kinship caregivers.
Our Financial Help for Grandparents and Relatives Raising a Child in Vermont guide covers every Vermont benefit program alongside VKAP, showing how respite grants fit into a complete support package — and which programs to apply for first to unlock the most help.
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