Kinship Navigator Program

The Vermont Department for Children and Families, through its Family Services Division, is soliciting grant applications for the Kinship Navigator Program. This initiative aims to support formal and informal kinship caregivers across all geographic regions of Vermont by helping them navigate complex systems including child welfare, health care, housing, and education. The selected subrecipient must implement the Washington State Kinship Navigation Model with fidelity, operating a warm line and referral system to improve the stability and well-being of children and caregivers. Proposals are due by September 4, 2026, and will be evaluated based on organizational experience, program implementation approach, service delivery design, cultural responsiveness, staffing capacity, data collection abilities, community partnerships, and cost-effectiveness. Bidders must submit a cover letter, technical response, price schedule, and a completed Certificate of Compliance. Preference is given to resident bidders of Vermont and those with clean energy practices. The grant requires strict adherence to non-discrimination laws, worker classification compliance, and the protection of electronic protected health information. Payment terms are Net 30 days, with specific blackout periods during the state fiscal year closeout.