Vermont Family Network
The mission of Vermont Family Network is to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs. We do this by giving a strong start, lifting family voices, and advancing inclusive communities. Our vision is that all Vermont children and youth reach their full potential.
Support Groups
START EARLY
Planning early for the transition from home and high school to living and working in the community helps families to be better prepared for what lies ahead. The toolkit contains information on the following topics:
Successful and meaningful transition services are the result of careful planning that is driven by a young person’s dreams, desires, and abilities. This planning builds a youth’s independence and participation in school, home, and community living and helps to prepare them for their futures.
The development of this Transition to Adulthood Toolkit was funded by a grant from t HireAbility VT (Formerly VT Vocational Rehabilitation) a Division of the Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living, Agency of Human Services.
Would you like to learn more about your child’s diagnosis? Does your child have medical needs not covered by your insurance? We may have funding opportunities that can help!
Conference Fund
Parents may apply for a grant to attend a conference related to their child’s diagnosis. Covered expenses may include registration, lodging, and travel costs. The maximum grant is $100 for a conference in Vermont, $200 for a conference that is out-of-state and up to $100 for virtual conferences.
Flutie Fund
Families who have children birth to age 22 with an autism diagnosis may request up to $200 for needed equipment, respite, camp, therapies, emergency childcare, or to attend a conference related to their child’s diagnosis.
We are pleased to announce we have received a $12,500 grant for 2023. There will be a limit of one grant per family for each calendar year. Complete either a fillable application or a printable application and mail or email it to [email protected]. Funds are made available through the generosity of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
Family Support Fund
Income-eligible families of children aged 0 up to 21, with special health care needs may apply for funding for self-identified respite needs or for assistance with unmet medical expenses.
Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows time to spend with other children, to schedule necessary appointments, or to have an opportunity to rest and recharge. A family may initially request up to $600 for respite needs. [email protected]
Medically Necessary funds can be used for things like equipment, medications, travel costs, and therapies. Supporting documentation from the child’s healthcare provider may be required. A family may request up to $1200. MNSF requests: Joanne.Wechsler@vtfn, [email protected] or your child’s CSHN Social Worker.
Families may apply for a total of $1200/family for respite and/or medically necessary expenses combined. For more information, please print or download our Family Support flyer.
Support Group Fund
Parents interested in starting a new support group may apply for a $200 grant to help offset the costs of startup. We will support you in the startup, and will help spread the word.
Vermont Respite Support Program
Families who are not currently using respite funding, that have a child (up to the age of 19) with chronic physical, medical, mental, or developmental condition OR
- Are experiencing “special needs” that are destabilizing, for instance: homelessness, economic hardships, and/or DCF Family Services involvement
- Are suspected of a diagnosis, and waiting for an evaluation
- Require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally
Or are a parent/caregiver with a disability that has a child (up to the age of 19) living at home; or are a relative caregiver with a child(ren) living with them; or are a Parent/Caregiver of an adopted child(ren) may be eligible for this funding.
For more information on how to apply for the program, please print or download our Vermont Respite Support Program Flyer.
Grant Funding Resource List
If you have a child with a special health care need or disability and are in need of financial assistance, you may be eligible for one or more of the grants on our Grant Funding Resource List.
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