Other than becoming a legally-recognized adult, what happens when your child with special needs turns 18? There are a variety of possible paths that diverge, creating a myriad of opportunities. But let’s start with the basics:
When your child with special needs turns 18 years of age:
Once your child turns 18, they have the right to sign their own documents and make their own decisions. Your young adult can sign a document giving you the right to speak for them at IEPs. It is typically referred to as an educational power of attorney.
One option you can consider when your child with special needs turns 18 is a limited conservatorship. With her son’s consent, Leigh has one for him. He makes all decisions about his life, but because he is conserved, she has the right to step in and advocate on his behalf when necessary. We are defining “when necessary” as the times when agencies behave in a less-than-stalwart manner. This includes, but is not limited to: not providing services or infringing on his civil rights. Limited conservatorship gives Leigh the authority to file complaints and negotiate along with him. Here is some information about starting the process. Get started with your limited conservatorship today!
High School Diploma or Certificate of Completion
If your student earns a high school diploma, the school district is no longer responsible for them once the student graduates. When your child is working towards a certificate of completion, the school district is responsible for the student until the age of 22. But what happens when your young adult completes high school, whether at 18 or 22?
Parents should contact their local Regional Center as soon as they find out that they have a child with special needs. For many parents, the Regional Center has a minimal role while the child is in school. However, the Regional Center is absolutely the agency to contact after your child with special needs turns 18.
If your child stays in school until 22, then the school retains primary responsibility and SARC is the payor of last resort. As mentioned above, parents should always contact the Regional Center as soon as
they suspect that their child has a disability. The earlier one can establish Regional Center eligibility, the quicker one can get services when needed. Families can sometimes receive day care reimbursement and/or MediCal for their minor child, and possibly some other supports.
In California, the payor of last resort for your adult family member with special needs is their local Regional Center. The Regional Center is responsible for helping them develop a plan for the future of their life. This plan may include going to college, attending a day program, or working. The Regional Center will help create the plan and will fund it. There can be training in: work or work-related skills, accessing the community safely, or some adults with special needs might join day programs. Students with a certificate of completion are eligible to attend California Community Colleges, and can transfer to California State Universities.