Grants To Help Guardians With Rent, Other Expenses Available

MILFORD, CT – Milford-Orange Probate Judge Ben Gettinger said guardians caring for children might be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants to help with housing, food, transportation, summer cap, and other enrichment.

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 childcare, rent, transportation and food costs. These grants are capped at $2,200 a year.

“Too many families are struggling,” Gettinger said. “With an increasing number of news stories talking about how some local families are choosing between rent and food. These grants can help with that, as well as to help ensure that extras like summer camp aren’t impossible. We’re so pleased this money exists to help guardians and the children in their care.”

A guardianship case comes before the Milford-Orange Probate Court when parents cannot care for their children due to addiction, mental illness, incarceration, or other circumstances, Gettinger said through a prepared statement. In some cases, courts appoint a close family friend with a long-standing relationship with the child, as children tend to experience the most benefits when placed with adults they already know and trust.

Guardians can apply for the Kinship and Respite Fund, though a separate application is required. The Milford-Orange Probate Court determines amounts awarded to residents.

Applications can be found at ctprobate.gov under the Children’s Matters tab or by contacting the Milford-Orange Probate Court at 203-783-3205.