Parents of children with special needs are their natural guardians until the child’s 18th birthday. At age 18, the child is now an adult by law. It then becomes necessary for parents to qualify as legal guardians to exercise parental supervision and provide guidance.

All families need to make legal and financial plans for the future. Parents of people with developmental disabilities must plan even more carefully because of the person’s unique needs. The planning must begin sooner, last longer, and take more details into consideration.

Parents also need to consider how their son or daughter’s needs will be met if they are not around or make decisions on their behalf.

In this Arc Splash Mini-Pod, listeners will hear about guardianship and future planning from Frank Centola and Francesca Bevivino. For more information please see our website at https://www.thearcolc.org/guardianship-2/ or call Francesca Bevivino, Guardianship Coordinator for the Arc Oneida Lewis at 315-927-0088.