Juan R. Candelaria

For anyone that is a kinship guardian, I want you to be aware of probate court grants available for you.



For more than a decade, local Probate Courts have annually awarded $2 million in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of children who meet low-income guidelines.



The Kinship Fund awards grants of up to $550 a child -- or $2,200 a family – a year to help pay for necessities such as eyeglasses and clothing, or for enrichment activities such as summer camp, art supplies or creative books.



The Respite Fund helps guardians with the cost of child care, rent, transportation and food. These grants are capped at $2,200 a year.

Appointing and supporting kinship guardians are two of the many ways Connecticut’s Probate Courts serve both residents and the State. Through this program, our Probate Courts save the State more than $70 million a year by keeping thousands of children out of the foster care system.



Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required. Amounts awarded to residents are determined by their local Probate Court.



Residents can find grant applications online or by contacting their local Probate Court.