Investing in Vermont families from the beginning of a child’s life.

First Steps Forward is a new pilot program that invests in Vermont families from the beginning of a child’s life. Beginning in 2027, eligible families in the Northeast Kingdom will receive free diapers, mental health support, and direct cash assistance to help ease the financial challenges of welcoming a new baby.

In addition, every eligible child will receive a $3,200 Baby Bond, an asset that will grow over time so that, between the ages of 18 and 30, they can use it to pursue higher education, buy a home, start a business, or save for retirement.

A Baby Bond gives every child a stake at the start, so their future isn’t determined by the economic circumstances they were born into. The pilot will serve 450 babies born in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties between 2027 and 2030.