Future Planning at The Arc

Answering the Question: What will happen to my child when I am no longer here?

The Arc works with families to plan for the future of their loved ones.

Families are often overwhelmed with the day-to-day obstacles they face in caring for their child with special needs. While it is difficult to look ahead, the reality of today is that there are no guarantees for tomorrow. Planning now is crucial to secure the future a family envisions for a loved one with a disability.

Getting started is hard. Most parents know that having a plan for the future of their child with a disability is critical, but it is not a topic most families are knowledgeable about or comfortable discussing. The intent of the Future Planning Program at The Arc of Prince George’s County is to provide the needed resources and supports to families so that they can proficiently plan for the lifetime of their child.

Future Planning at The Arc has a number of components, each meant to empower and assist families.

· An initial workshop will present an overview of Future Planning – why it is necessary, issues to consider, and the means to ensure a quality life.

· Monthly seminars will detail specific topics, such as special needs trusts, advanced directives, and offer opportunities for families to meet with professionals in financial and legal planning, and longterm advocacy.

· In depth assistance will guide families in developing a Letter of Intent, a crucial piece in planning for a loved one’s lifetime of support. This document is the ultimate tool that can be shared with family members, friends, and professionals who will continue to support an individual. Families will be given an outline and suggestions for preparing a Letter of Intent, attending group sessions or opting for personalized assistance.

· Families will have access to a pool of professionals developed by The Arc that are well versed in financial and legal planning, and long term advocacy.


Through the Future Planning Program, families will no longer need to worry about the day they are no longer here or unable to play a major role in their child’s life. Families will:

· Reflect and envision the quality of future life they would like for their child
· Identify the people, resources and services necessary to make that life a reality
· Preserve eligibility of their child’s government benefits
· Provide for the things not covered by government benefit programs, such as vacations and entertainment

How do I get involved?

This program is free for Arc members and $20 per workshop for non-members. Contact Mary Funk at 301-925-7050, ext. 232 for more information.

The Arc has received a one-year grant from The HSC Foundation that enables us to financially assist families who are establishing a Special Needs Trust. Click here to download an application.

For more information about Future Planning, click here. Find out more about wills, supplemental needs trusts, guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, letters of intent, pooled trusts and more.