Introduction
Every family with a child with disabilities must plan for that child's future. Each family's plan is unique, depending on many factors, including the age and ability of the child, the child's wishes, aspirations, personality, medical situation, and degree of independence. The plan will also be affected by the possible contribution of siblings and the family's financial circumstances. What such planning should have in common are: a properly-drawn trust that reflects the needs of the child, and a written Care Plan that will enable the continuation of long-term, effective, and personalized care. When both of these are in place, both the person with special needs and his/her family can have peace of mind, knowing that the family's needs have been addressed.

Ages of Parents and Child
Planning for a seven year old is very different from planning for a 45 year old. With many children with developmental disabilities, for example, their future capabilities are often unknown. But, once a child reaches 22 or 23, parents usually can determine the level of assistance and supervision their child will need for the rest of his/her life. Therefore, a Care Plan for an older child can be more specific, and will require less revision over time

The ages of the child and the parents are important for another reason – financial planning. Each family's budget is different, as is the family's dependence on Social Security and other government benefits.

Severity of the Disability
The severity of the disability is the key element in the planning process. Some individuals require round-the-clock supervision. Others can live with relative independence, and require occasional oversight or help with transportation, errands, and household tasks. PLAN can support your family in the manner, and at the level, that your family needs.

Role of Siblings
Most parents do not want to leave a burden to their other children. That is why many look elsewhere for a caregiver, to either assist siblings, or fill a more active role. In some situations, a sibling may serve as Trustee of a Special Needs Trust.

Key Elements in Every Family's Planning
All parents with children with disabilities should consider establishing a Special Needs Trust. PLAN's Web site (http://www.planctx.org/) has lots of information about these trusts and how they work. It is critical, however, that you consult an attorney knowledgeable and experienced about these trust arrangements. PLAN can provide you with names of attorneys who have helped parents in similar positions develop lasting arrangements that ensure that their wishes for care carry on. We can also provide you with suggestions for financial planners, to help identify your goals and reach them.

A Trust should be accompanied by an individually-tailored Care Plan. PLAN can help you develop such a plan, which will instruct future care-givers about the history, tastes, needs, and aspirations of your special-needs family member.

Care Plans are vitally needed for families with a disabled person, because parents — the current caregivers — are in the best position to describe what makes their child tick, what makes them sad or happy, and what does and does not work. This information needs to be passed on to future care-givers, to ensure that future care is effective, compassionate, and tailored to the individual involved.

Conclusion
It's easy to put off long-term planning, especially given the time constraints of parents of special needs children. Yet, such planning is essential if the parent wants to be assured that their child will receive the care they need for as long as they need it. The alternative is to leave things to chance, not have the parent's wishes taken into account, and risk relapses and homelessness. Careful planning requires guidance and expertise. It is not easy work. The good news is that PLAN of Central Texas, founded and governed by parents in your position, is here to help.