Succession Planning

“Who is going to take care of my child with disabilities when I am gone?” This is the most difficult question for many parents of individuals with disabilities. The Regional Family Support Planning Council #5 (Mercer, Hunterdon, Middlesex) is delighted to welcome a knowledgeable speaker, Ellen Nalven, Executive Director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey, Inc. (PLAN/NJ). PLAN/NJ is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides families with information and assistance to guide them through the succession planning process. The program included the following: 1. Supports - the people who will support your family member when parents are no longer available. They must be intimately familiar with your child's needs, desires, capabilities, hopes and dreams. Availability of community resources. 2. Guardianship or Supported Decision Making - Who will replace the parents - sibling(s), cousins, friends, professionals 3. Housing - where? with whom? licensed provider? self-directed (own home)? 4. Finances - Social Security representative payee, Special Needs Trust (individual/pooled, trustee) 5. Documents - parent will(s), guardianship papers, special needs trust, Medicaid eligibility, health insurance, housing lease or deed. 6. The act and discipline of planning is more important than the contents of the plan, which can change as circumstances change. 7. The most important matter is to start the process NOW. It is never too soon!