Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Q&A In Essex County

At the Essex County Surrogate’s Court, we primarily serve as a resource for residents during their various life transitions. Our duties include validating Wills, appointing administrators to manage the affairs of people who die without a Will, and managing estate matters. Additionally, our office processes requests, complaints, and legal documents for adult guardianships, formal accounting, and the safekeeping of minors’ trust accounts, all of which are crucial for handling the affairs of a child aging into adulthood.

In observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March, we’re providing a high-level overview of basic guidance, actionable steps, and digestible resources for the parents and guardians of an individual with a developmental disability to help prepare their child for adulthood.

Tara Wilson is the Superior Court Clerk at the Essex County Surrogate’s Court with over 17 years of experience working with thousands of families raising a child with a developmental disability all throughout Essex County, NJ.

1. What are some common misconceptions people have about raising a child with a developmental disability?

• The most common misconception I’ve come across while working with parents is the fear that their child won’t ever reach a point of independence. The truth of the matter is that regardless of an individual's capability, we all need help at some point. There are many adults who currently still rely on their parents for guidance, assistance, and resources; it comes in all shapes and sizes.
  
  Every situation is different, however, it’s still very possible to get your child to a point where they can work at a job effectively, and achieve a level of independence even if minor assistance is required. The best thing we can do is not give up and not rush their level of independence. We’ll work together to provide you with the best resources to get your child an individualized educational plan that will get them right where they need to be. Patience and love are key.

2. What are some accounts that parents should consider opening up for their children aging into adulthood?

• I highly recommend setting up your child with their own Trust Account. This will serve as an accessible account that will ultimately be used for their benefit. As your child continues to prosper, progress, and move on in life, there will be new stages or chapters. This can be anything from applying for college, purchasing a new car, or even buying a computer and books for their education. The idea here is to have the necessary monetary funds to accomplish these goals while avoiding any potential oncoming roadblocks, ensuring that the funds can be easily accessed and accounted for.

3. Do biological parents need to register for guardianship when their child turns 18 or is that only required for adults who are not already legal guardians?

• All parties must enroll through the guardianship process. However, setting up a guardianship is much easier for biological parents than it is for the grandparents or anybody not related by blood. For that reason alone, I highly recommend getting on top of it sooner rather than waiting until your child turns 18. If you expect to be involved on a guardian level when your child becomes an adult, start taking the steps now while they’re young to make the process easier in the future.

4. What are some agencies that families should contact in order to find support when raising a child aging into adulthood?

• I can absolutely provide a few recommendations. The first is the IEP Childhood Development Services, which will help create your child’s IEP (Individualized Educational Plan). The rules differ across each state, but in New Jersey, this is a written document outlining a young person's education, usually up to the age of 21.
  
  Another resource I recommend is the Division of Disabilities. In Essex County specifically, we have the Arc of Essex County. This resource provides general information, Agency recommendations, recreational services, summer camps, and some guidance to help jumpstart your child on the path to independence.

5. What are some recommended programs for families to consider?

• One last suggestion I must emphasize is your child’s recreational activities. At the end of the day, we’re all social creatures, and we all deserve to have fun. I understand how stressful this situation can be, but I must highlight the importance of your child’s emotional well-being. While taking the steps to ensure your child is prepared for adulthood, make sure to not let your child’s social life fall by the wayside.
  
  A great social hangout for teens and young children with disabilities is “We’ve Got Friends (WGF).” It provides free services, activities, and safe environments for all ages. They have offices in Montclair, Morristown, Newark, Paterson, and West Orange. Additionally, they have a virtual program for people not ready to socialize in person.
  
  I would also suggest Elmy’s Special Services, located in Newark. Their mission is to provide quality support for a better quality of life. Elmy’s also specializes in caring for the most vulnerable in the most underserved communities. Their summer camp (ages 5-17) helps children get the support, coordination, community, inclusive activities, and any early intervention they need.

Life changes, don’t get caught off-guard. Connect with your local surrogate office to get support with handling your affairs. You’re not alone. We’re here to help. Whether you live in Essex County or not, please feel free to visit our website at https://essexsurrogate.com/ or stop by our offices at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Newark, NJ 07102. We will walk you through the best course of action to get you and your child the best quality support. We also handle the appointment of guardians with the goal of appointing the correct person to make the best decisions on the child’s behalf.