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.

Call us at (802) 876-5315  or email [email protected].

  • We’re here to listen and help with any needs or concerns you have about you or your child’s health, education, or well-being.
  • We welcome calls from service providers and professionals who support children and their families.
  • Conversations are confidential and services are free. There are no eligibility requirements or forms to fill out.
  • We are parents of children with special health needs or disabilities and understand the challenges and gifts our children offer.
  • Our team has many years of experience. We offer individualized assistance along with practical approaches and tips.
  • When you call, we will:
    • Listen to your needs
    • Ask clarifying questions to get more information about the situation and your priorities
    • Talk about how processes work
    • Point you to helpful information and resources
    • Think and brainstorm together on possible options and next steps
    • Send resource information we discussed in a follow-up email or by regular mail
  • We are a family organization providing peer support. We don’t tell you what to do. You decide what works best for you and your family. Our hope is that everyone gets the support they need and doesn’t feel alone!
  • Interpreters are available upon request. An overview of our Family Support programs has been translated into Arabic, French, Mandarin, Nepali and Spanish.
 

Contact Us

Call us at (802) 876-5315 or email [email protected].

Fax number: 802-876-6291

Monthly E-Newsletter

Sign up for our monthly E-news, which is for families and those who support them. You will find information about upcoming events, resources, and helpful tips.

Facebook Groups

You can follow us on Facebook: Vermont Family Network and Puppets in Education

Closed Facebook Group

If you’re a parent, you can join our closed Facebook groups Vermont Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs or Vermont Families of Adults with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs. In these closed groups, families of children with special health care needs, educational needs, and disabilities can engage in discussions, ask for support, and meet members of the community. This group is only for parents, family members, and people in a parenting role. This group is not for professionals or service providers. Please no advertising. 

Would you like to talk with another parent? Learning that your child has a special health need or developmental disability can be isolating and frightening. You don’t need to be alone.

Learn more about our Parent Match program by watching our Parent Match Program Video (22 minutes) and reading our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Here is an example of how the program works as told from the perspective of two parents.

Vermont Family Network has been the Vermont chapter of Parent to Parent USA for more than 30 years. We are in the process of breathing new life into our Parent Match Program, and invite you to watch this brief video interview to learn more about how this program is growing and evolving, as well as being adapted to meet the needs of families during the pandemic.

Talking on the phone with a parent who has “been there” can offer a source of empathy, hope, encouragement, and problem solving. We connect families of children with special needs with other families for support and information. Parents should never feel alone!

At no cost to you, we offer 1:1 parent matches in Vermont and nationally through Parent to Parent USA. Parent matches are made based on your self-identified needs such as:

• New diagnosis
• Community resources
• Medical, mental health, and behavioral issues and experiences
• Education or health care systems
• Transitions

Parents have said that this is an invaluable gift. “We may not have answers, but we can hold hands and give each other courage.” Our staff are parents of children with special health needs. We look forward to talking with you!

Printable Flyer

Want to invite Puppets in Education to your school or organization?

*Please note that we are fully booked for the 2023-2024 school year. Any requests we receive will automatically go into the queue for the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you for your patience and your commitment to your students.

Puppets in Education 2023-2024 Program Offerings

If you are interested in learning more, complete this form to get started and we’ll contact you.

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! We have translated funding info-graphics in Arabic, French, Mandarin, Nepali and Spanish.

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.

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: [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 Funds 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.

You can make a referral by getting the parent’s permission and their contact information and then calling us at (802) 876-5315, faxing us at (802) 876-6291 or sending an email to [email protected]. We’ll take it from there!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Meet with Family Support staff to discuss your concerns about your child’s health, education or well-being. We can help you fill out forms, prepare for upcoming meetings at school or in the community, and review resources and supports. On a limited basis, Family Support staff may be available to attend a school or health-related meeting with you or participate via virtual means. We also provide Parent rep support for coordinated services plan (CSP)/Act 264 and Local Interagency Team meetings.

Please call 802-876-5315 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an in-person meeting.

Sibshops provide brothers and sisters an opportunity to:

  • Meet other brothers and sisters who “know” what it’s like to be a sibling
  • Have an opportunity to talk about, and to listen to, others’ concerns related to being a sibling of a child with special health needs, in a supportive non-judgmental environment
  • Make new friends, learn new games, do crafts, and share a snack.

Sibshops are for children and youth ages 8+. The program is open to those who are siblings of brothers and sisters who have special health needs. “Special health needs” includes anyone with a medical concern, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis; a developmental disability such as Down Syndrome, or autism; intellectual disability or any other chronic disability or health condition. Learn more by taking a look at our Sibshop Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Our staff will be monitoring Vermont’s COVID-19 rates and guidelines/mandates carefully, and are prepared to adjust activities as needed.

Sibshops are a collaborative effort of Vermont Family Network and the Vermont Department of Health: Children with Special Health Needs.

Learning that your child has a special health need or disability can be isolating and frightening. You don’t need to be alone. Some parents find it helpful to attend a support group. We have compiled  a list of support groups for your convenience. Our support group list also includes a list of social groups for individuals with disabilities and sources of on-line/phone support. We don’t endorse any particular group. It’s best to call before attending your first meeting.

What can you expect when you attend a parent support group?

  • Meet other parents and family members who have similar experiences
  • Share concerns and celebrate successes
  • Problem solve around current challenges
  • Share practical and helpful suggestions
  • Listen and share coping strategies

A support group facilitator said, “People don’t always need advice. Sometimes all they really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand them.”

If you are a parent and want to start a support group, we would like to help so please give us a call. We can guide you in Organizing and Maintaining a Support Group and add your group to our list.

Please keep in mind that we also offer at no cost to you, 1:1 parent matches in Vermont and nationally through Parent to Parent USA.