Letter Of Intent for your child with special needs

Who will take care of our child when we’re no longer around?
This is a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many parents of children with disabilities. Will the guardian or trustee truly understand our child’s needs? Will they know how to care for them, how to help them feel safe and supported?

To prepare for the future and ensure a sense of security for your child, one of the first steps parents can take is creating a Letter of Intent (LOI). This is not a legal document like a Will or a Trust, but it is a valuable personal guide. It contains detailed information about your child’s life and needs, and is meant to help future caregivers understand how to care for your child in a way that’s consistent with your wishes.

What is a Letter of Intent (LOI)?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a document written by parents or caregivers to share important personal, emotional, and practical details about their child’s life. It helps future guardians, trustees, and caregivers understand the child’s routine, preferences, medical needs, goals, and the family’s vision for the future.

An LOI doesn’t have legal power, but it can be an essential companion to your legal planning. Think of it as a roadmap that provides clarity and comfort to those who will step in after you.

What should an LOI include?

You can personalize your LOI to reflect your child’s life, needs, and personality. Below are key sections that can guide you in writing it:

1. Family history

• Where your child was born, and where they grew up.
• Details of schooling and any important family events.
• Information about siblings, grandparents, relatives, or other people close to the child.
• A short summary of the family’s journey and your hopes for your child’s future.
  

2. Daily living and routine

• Describe a typical day in your child’s life.
• What time they wake up, eat meals, and go to bed.
• Their habits, likes and dislikes, food preferences, and personal care routines.
• Any specific routines or rituals that help them feel secure.
  

3. Education and interests

• Details of your child’s current education, including school name, grade, and any special education programs.
• Mention teachers, special educators, support staff, and vocational training.
• Extracurricular interests or hobbies such as music, art, sports, etc.
• Your vision for your child’s future education or employment.
  

4. Healthcare information

• A record of your child’s medical history and current health condition.
• Names and contacts of doctors, therapists, clinics, and hospitals.
• Details of any therapies (physical, speech, occupational, etc.) and how often they happen.
• A list of medications and their purpose.
  

5. Behaviour and emotional needs

• Share your child’s personality traits and behavioural patterns.
• What makes them happy, upset, anxious, or calm.
• How they relate to different family members or friends.
• Any strategies you use to manage difficult behaviours or support emotional wellbeing.
  

6. Religious or spiritual beliefs

• Mention if your child follows any specific spiritual or religious practices.
• Describe the comfort or support they find in these practices.
  

7. Social preferences

• List places your child enjoys visiting, such as parks, libraries, temples, or movie theatres.
• Mention if they enjoy group activities or prefer quiet environments.
• Also share any places or settings they dislike or find overwhelming.
  

8. Residential needs

• Describe the type of environment where your child thrives—quiet, familiar, urban, or natural settings.
• Include any specific locations or living arrangements that may not be suitable.
  

9. Final wishes

• If you have considered future funeral or spiritual arrangements, you can note them here.
• This might include type of service, burial, or specific family customs.
  

10. Financial planning

• Outline any financial provisions you’ve made for your child.
• Mention assets they will inherit, details of trusts (if any), or government schemes.
• Explain how these funds should be used for your child’s care, safety, and well-being.
  

Important tips

• Sign and date your Letter of Intent.
• Review and update it regularly, especially after any major change—such as a new school, therapist, or address.
• Keep a copy with your other important documents, and share it with any relevant family members, guardians, or trustees.

To put one’s mind to rest regarding concerns of the future, and fears about financial independence of your child, careful and mindful financial planning is the way to go. Consult this three point agenda to understand how to approach your financial planning.

If you’re seeking more information and guidance on this topic and related areas, Nayi Disha’s Know Your Rights (KYR) Program is here to support you every step of the way. By joining, you’ll gain access to valuable resources on government schemes, benefits, financial support, legal rights, and more, all aimed at securing a brighter future for your child. To learn more, visit our chatbot by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/4dJVCP3, or simply type ‘KYR’ on our helpline number 844-844-8996.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a financial advisor for any legal consultations or advise pertaining to your needs.