It is every parent’s wish for their child to have a secure and stable future no matter what happens. As a parent, this is the desire that drives you to work hard, save money and plan ahead. But if your child has special needs, achieving this goal becomes an even tougher challenge.
Caring for a child with special needs requires extra care, attention and financial resources. If you are no longer here, who will ensure they receive the care they need throughout their life? Choosing someone who will serve as their guardian requires careful consideration of several key factors.
Understanding of the child’s needs
Special needs guardianship differs from traditional guardianship in its scope and responsibilities. A typical guardian makes decisions about a child’s education, health care and living arrangements. What your child needs is someone who will also navigate complex medical, educational and social service systems.
If you are considering someone for this role, ask yourself: Do they know your child’s diagnosis and its implications? Can they keep up with your child’s daily routines, medications and therapies?
Ability to advocate for your child
Your child’s guardian must be a strong advocate. When raising a child with special needs, there are moments when you have to speak up in medical appointments or school meetings and effectively communicate your child’s needs to others. A good advocate will fight for your child’s rights to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations in school, quality medical care and fair treatment in all aspects of life.
Patience and emotional resilience
Caring for a child with special needs can be emotionally and physically demanding. Your child needs someone who can maintain their composure and provide consistent, loving care so that they can grow and thrive in a stable environment.
Securing lasting care for your child
Planning for a time when you are no longer by your child’s side can be an overwhelming thought. However, choosing a guardian now invites you to envision their needs in the years to come. Remember, the right guardian is not necessarily the person who can provide the most financially but the one who can offer the richest quality of life for your child.
