Learn How Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship Can Help You Plan for the Future
Join our free webinar on June 8 for families of youth with special healthcare needs transitioning to adulthood
When a young person with special healthcare needs turns 18, their family often faces important decisions about independence, legal rights and long-term support.
Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) for our free webinar, “Planning for the Future: Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship,” on June 8 from 6 to 7 p.m.
The presentation is for families of youth with special healthcare needs preparing for the transition to adulthood.
Bring your questions and learn from presenter Consuelo Puente, a retired attorney, dedicated advocate and mother of two adult sons with autism.
Consuelo will explain the differences between guardianship and supported decision-making, including:
- What each option means
- When they may be appropriate
- How they can affect a young person’s rights and autonomy
Participants will learn how supported decision-making can serve as an alternative to full guardianship, promoting self-determination while helping ensure safety and well-being.
The presentation will also cover the basic steps to establish guardianship in Illinois, helping families better understand the legal process and what to expect.
See the webinar flyer for more details:
- “Planning for the Future: Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship” flyer in English
- “Planning for the Future: Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship” flyer in Spanish
Live Spanish translation will be available.
Continuing education credits are available for social workers.
The recording and slides from the webinar will be available on our Family Education Webinars page.
For more details or other questions, please contact Claire Cook, DSCC Title V Transition Specialist, at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722.
We hope you’ll join us!
Webinar Series to Help Families, Caregivers and Youth Navigate the Transition to Adulthood
Learn practical strategies and tools to plan for the transition to adulthood during our free two-part series
Families can face new challenges and shifting roles as young people move toward adulthood.
Join the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to learn more about navigating this journey during our free “Preparing for Adulthood: A Roadmap for the Future” webinar series.
The two-part series will feature Claire Cook, DSCC Title V Transition Specialist, and Suzanne Aaron, Northern Illinois Outreach Specialist for Illinois Life Span.
The sessions will cover:
- “Session One: Navigating Adult Systems,” June 26 at 6 p.m.
This session is for youth ages 12 to 15 and their families. Families with children at other developmental stages are also welcome to attend.
This session will provide practical tools for exploring and understanding adult systems, such as health care, education, employment and more. It will also cover strategies for balancing independence and guidance as family roles evolve.
- “Session Two: Empowering Parents and Caregivers,” July 31 at 6 p.m.
Session two is for parents, caregivers and families of youth ages 16 and older with complex needs and/or disabilities.
Building on session one, participants will dive deeper into adult guardianship, health insurance, benefits and programs for youth with complex needs. The session will focus on creating meaningful daily routines while managing evolving family dynamics. It will also explore the role of support circles and how to make decisions that support youth and caregivers in the long run.
- “Primera sesión: Recorrer los sistemas de los adultos,” 26 de junio a las 6 p. m.
Esta sesión es para padres, cuidadores, familias y jóvenes de 12 a 15 años. Las familias de jóvenes en otras etapas de desarrollo también son bienvenidas.
- “Segunda sesión: Empoderar a los padres y cuidadores,” 31 de julio a las 6 p.m.
Según la primera sesión, este seminario web se centrará en tutela de adultos, seguro médico, beneficios y programas para jóvenes con necesidades complejas, crear rutinas diarias importantes mientras se maneja la dinámica familiar en evolución y la función de los círculos de apoyo y cómo tomar decisiones que apoyen a los jóvenes y a los cuidadores a largo plazo. Esta sesión ofrecerá a las familias conocimientos y estrategias adaptadas a sus retos únicos.
Each presentation will be in English. Live Spanish interpretation will be available.
The recordings and slides for both sessions will be available on our Family Education Webinars page.
If you have questions about the series, please contact Claire Cook at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722.
Please spread the word and plan to join us!
New Youth Advisory Council for Teens and Young Adults With Special Healthcare Needs
An opportunity for youth to help improve transition support and make a difference!
Youth with special healthcare needs should have a big role in shaping their future and helping improve support for others.
We want to hear from teens and young adults about what’s important and helpful to them as they plan for the future. Our new Youth Advisory Council is a great opportunity for them to share their input and make a difference.
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a diverse, youth-driven group that aims to develop more youth-focused ways to help individuals and families with transition planning, resources and services.
The YAC’s goal is to support positive outcomes in adulthood for all Illinois youth with special healthcare needs in the areas of:
- Employment
- Health care
- Independence
- Quality of life
The YAC’s role is to:
- Bring a different and personal perspective on issues important to youth.
- Partner with the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) to help develop more youth-focused methods to enhance care coordination.
- Develop strategies to improve communication between youth/young adults and older adults.
Members participate in four virtual meetings per year.
Who is Eligible to Join the YAC?
The YAC is open to youth with special healthcare needs who are:
- Ages 15 to 24
- Living in Illinois
- Planning for the transition to adulthood in the areas of education, health care, employment and home and community-based support
Youth do not have to be a DSCC participant to join the council.
How to Join and Learn More
Members must complete an online application to join. (The application is also available in Spanish.)
Visit our Youth Advisory Council page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
You can also see the YAC flyer for more details:
If you have questions, please contact Claire Cook, DSCC’s Title V Program Transition Specialist, at clairer3@uic.edu or (800) 322-3722, ext. 21812.