Planning for the Future

  • Financial Planning

  • Residential Options

  • Person Centered Planning

To Begin Planning, it may help to consider:

  • What plans do you have for housing, employment, and community living?

  • What public services or benefits will your son or daughter receive? 

  • What support will your son or daughter need for decision making and daily living? Will he/she need guardianship?

  • Who will be involved in the planning process? Define individuals and their roles: Planning Team.

  • Do you have a long-term financial plan?

  • Communicate with other families and specialists for guidance

Many professionals support adults with I/DD and their families. Healthcare providers, lawyers, and financial planners have specific roles in supporting families and helping with the planning process. 

NJ Arc: 

Why Planning for the Future is Important

The Arc Center for Future Planning: Recorded Webinars on Future Planning 

Special Needs Trusts & ABLE Accounts

Basic Information for Financial Planning

Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts help save and manage money without impacting benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Both of these can be important tools for financial planning

BCSS Cape Center

  • Special Needs Attorneys for Guardianship and Financial Planning: 

  • Recommended by Bergen County Parents

Local attorneys recommended by parents

Will & Trusts: 

Planning for a Secure Future

Hinkle Prior & Fischer, P.C.

Residential Options

Housing Resources:

The Supportive House Association of NJ

Group Homes and Day Programs:

Are they the only options?