Transition Planning

Bancroft is committed to helping families gain knowledge and access important resources to help their family member be successful. The information and resources provided here was collected by Bancroft professional staff to help family members learn more about specific topics. Bancroft professionals are also available to answer specific questions or help you access support, when needed, for your family. Please be advised that the information provided is for educational purposes only and that Bancroft does not endorse any of the products or services listed.

Articles

Legal Considerations in Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
By Ira M. Fingles, Esq., Hillary D. Freeman, Esq., and S. Paul Prior, Esq.

This article provides information on special education, adult services, guardianship, Medicaid and Medicare, estate planning, eldercare considerations and social security and supplemental security income.

Books

The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life
by John W. Nadworny and Cynthia R. Haddad

This book is a general guide for helping families plan for two generations (i.e., the financial planning needs of the primary caregiver and the person with disabilities). For some readers, it will relieve their anxieties about planning, and for others it will raise their awareness about the need to plan. Since every family's specific situation is unique, the book is not intended to provide a specific formula for success. However, it bridges the gap between the ultimate vision a family has for their child and the financial realities of making these dreams come true. The structure of the book follows a chronological guideline of the critical transition periods that families face. The book also focuses on identifying and protecting government benefits as well as strategies to supplement government benefits. In addition to the basics of financial planning, the book includes family case studies; sample intent letters, checklists, forms, and other planning tools; a glossary of terms; and resources.

Web Resources

National Special Needs Network: A Brief Review of Guardianship
Provides information on the purpose and types of guardianship.

New Jersey Adult Day Services
Day services allow individuals to remain active outside their home and develop social relationships with others. They also provide families and caregivers with time to pursue their own interests and activities, including a job. This site provides information on adult day services, employment, and the eligibility requirements.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Circulars and Publications
This website provides PDF files on the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities Circulars which are documents issued by the Director setting policy for the various agencies within the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Guardianship Information
This is the official site of New Jersey providing parents with information about the guardianship process and different types of guardianship.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Medicaid Community Care Waiver (CCW)
The Medicaid Community Care Waiver (CCW) is a program for individuals with developmental disabilities that pays for the services and supports they need in order to live in the community. The CCW is funded by the state, with assistance from the federal government's Medicaid program. DDD administers the CCW.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Residential Services
This is the official site of the State of New Jersey providing information about State run residential group homes.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Workshops
DDD provides two workshops, in conjunction with the Family Resource Center of New Jersey, for young people and their families that are intended to help them make the transition to adulthood. These workshops - Pathways to Adult Life, for students between 14 and 19, and Life after 21, for students between 19 and 21 - are in addition to a workshop called Life Line for the Journey, which is designed for families with children from birth to age 14.

Pathways to Adult Life and Life after 21, provide families with helpful, important information about adult services and day service options. Life after 21 also includes a feature called the "Provider Marketplace," which offers families an opportunity to meet with representatives of agencies that provide day services.

The Guardianship Association of NJ
The mission of the Guardianship Association of NJ, Inc., is to be a resource for guardians and advocates including families, professionals, and concerned individuals who are involved in the lives of persons needing assistance. The organization provides education and a referral network and promotes ethical standards of practice.