About Vermont Kids Connected
Rooted in Vermont.
Centered on children.
Working for family continuity.
Vermont Kids Connected is a volunteer-led coalition of parents, grandparents, family members, professionals, and concerned Vermonters.
Our work begins with a simple principle: when families change, children should not unnecessarily lose safe, meaningful relationships.
Child-centered
Every decision begins with the individual child.
Evidence-led
Law and policy should follow evidence, not assumptions.
Vermont-focused
Reform designed for Vermont children, courts, and families.
Why we came together
Family change should not mean unnecessary family loss.
When parents separate, Vermont law can prevent a court from considering shared responsibility—even when the evidence shows it would serve the child.
When a parent dies, a child may also lose established relationships with grandparents and that parent’s side of the family.
These problems share one root: Vermont law does not do enough to preserve children’s safe, important family relationships when a family changes.
Our Principles
Children and their safe relationships come first.
Best interests first
Every decision should begin with the needs of the individual child.
Family continuity
When safe and beneficial, children should be able to maintain meaningful relationships with parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family.
Disagreement is not danger
Disagreement alone is not evidence of danger. Courts cannot force goodwill—and reform does not ask them to. When sharing is otherwise safe and workable, courts can establish clear, enforceable structures for schedules, communication, decision-making, and resolving disputes.
Evidence before restriction
Safe family relationships should not be restricted without child-specific findings, and any restriction should use the least restrictive means necessary to address the demonstrated risk.
Cooperation should be supported
The law should encourage problem-solving—not give either parent a strategic advantage for withholding agreement.
Equal treatment for modern families
Family law should reflect varied family structures and caregiving roles—without automatic advantages based on sex, marital history, traditional roles, or litigation labels.
LOCAL WORK. NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
Rooted in Vermont, connected nationally.
Vermont Kids Connected is the Vermont affiliate of National Parents Organization. We are volunteer-led and focused on Vermont’s laws, courts, and families.
Coalition volunteers include members of the Vermont Bar and individual members of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). Their participation is personal and does not imply endorsement by the Vermont Bar or AFCC.
These connections provide access to legal knowledge, professional perspectives, national research, and policy experience. Our priorities and advocacy remain centered on Vermont children and families.
The time has come
Help keep Vermont kids connected.
Learn about the reform, add your support, share an experience, or ask how you can help move this work forward.