Page 6 - Jupiter West - July '22

Page 6, Jupiter West
Will Your Child Need A Guardian Advocate?

Submitted by Anné if he or she has “a disorder or syndrome that is attributable needs attorney who can help ensure your child remains legally
Desormier-Cartwright, J.D. to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, protected once he or she turns 18 years old.
When it comes to your Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, or Prader- We know this article may raise more questions than it answers
child, there are likely no steps Willi syndrome; that manifests before the age of 18; and that for you. If you have specific questions about guardian advocacy
you would not take to protect constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected in Florida, do not wait to contact us and let us answer your
him or her. If your child has to continue indefinitely.” questions about your unique legal needs.
a developmental disability, What Does It Mean To Be A Guardian Advocate And Are If you have questions about your estate plan and what
however, it can be challenging There Different Types? documents you should have in place to plan your estate, schedule
to determine the right steps In Florida, guardian advocacy is a process where family a free consultation today by calling our office at (561) 694-7827,
to take to provide adequate members or caregivers request the court to obtain legal authority Anné Desormier-Cartwright, Esq., Elder & Estate Planning
protection. Until your child over an individual with a diagnosed developmental disability. Attorneys PA, 480 Maplewood Drive, Suite 3, Jupiter, FL 33458.
is 18, you can legally make Guardian advocacy typically comes in three different types. The content of this article is general and should not be relied
decisions for them. However, when a child turns 18, he or she An individual can become a guardian advocate of a person, of upon without review of your specific circumstances by competent
is by law considered an adult and therefore can make decisions property, or both. Becoming a guardian advocate of a person legal counsel. Reliance on the information herein is at your
on his or her own behalf, without the permission of his or her allows the advocate to make personal decisions about the own risk, as it expresses no opinion by the firm on your specific
parents. For parents of a developmentally disabled child this can physical well-being of the individual, while property rights circumstances or legal needs. An attorney client relationship is
be a time of uncertainty. include the right to contract on behalf of the individual. not created through the information provided herein.
To Evaluate Whether Your Child Needs A Guardian Should I consult with an attorney? To comply with the U.S. Treasury regulations, we must
Advocate The short answer is yes. Guardian advocacy can be a inform you that (i) any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this
First, here is some information about guardian advocacy in particularly challenging process, which is why we encourage you newsletter was not intended or written to be used, and cannot
Florida. to seek the guidance of an experienced special needs attorney for be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal
What Is A Developmental Disability? assistance. Although it is possible to seek guardian advocacy of tax penalties that may be imposed on such person and (ii) each
According to Section 393.063(12) of the Florida Statutes, your child without the guidance of attorney, there is no substitute taxpayer should seek advice from their tax advisor based on the
an individual is considered to have a developmental disability to discussing your unique needs with an experienced special taxpayer’s particular circumstances.
Quick Guide To Autism Interventions

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., ineffective or even potentially harmful to your child. We want to ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/research-resources.
Licensed School help you avoid these pitfalls, by guiding you to the most up-to- Knowing there are 28 evidence-based practices for teaching
Psychologist date research on autism-focused interventions and highlighting a skills at different ages is important. You can start with parent-
When your child has few parent-friendly interventions that can help you and your child friendly practices that you can confidently and safely use on your
autism, navigating intervention enjoy some shared accomplishments sooner rather than later. own. One recommended practice to start using now to increase
options can be confusing and A number of professional organizations have done the hard your child’s skills and independence are “visual supports.” A
overwhelming when trying work of sorting through what works and what does not work for visual support is a tool that will help your child understand and
to act quickly but wisely you. A recent report provided by the National Clearing House for navigate the social world better. Since using and understanding
to help your loved one. If Autism Evidence Based Practices summarizes 28 practices that spoken language is challenging for children with autism, visuals
you don’t know the best research has demonstrated are the most effective interventions are a great way to “show” instead of “tell” your child what to do.
interventions to use or when for people with autism. These are the primary supports to use This and many more interventions are discussed in my new book,
to use them, you may feel to help your child. This comprehensive resource describes the Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Autism available on Amazon.
stuck. Unintentionally, you might delay your child’s access to positive outcomes reported in the reviewed studies, the age Dr. Forgan is a licensed school psychologist and tests kids for
essential and timely interventions. Or, you may act in haste and groups that benefited from them, and who successfully delivered autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other issues. Call (561) 625-4125
spend your precious time and resources on interventions that are the interventions. You can locate the complete guide at: www. or JimForgan.com.

E x p e r i e n c e . L e a d e r s h i p . E q u a l i t y . I n t e g r i t y .

Current Board Member, InnerCity Innovators Vetted by the Judicial Nominating Commission and Recommended to the
Current Board Member, New Christian Life Church Governor for Judicial Appointment
Current Member, Community Alliance of Palm Beach Managing Partner, St. Juste Gordon Law
County Former Supreme Court Certified Mediator
Current Special Magistrate, City of Riviera Beach
Alumni, Leadership Palm Beach County
Immediate Past Chair, Grievance Commission, 15th Circuit F
Current Member, National Coalition of 100 Black
Current Member, The Florida Bar Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Women, South Palm Beach County Current Member/Former Community Service Co-Chair, Florida Association
Former Board Member, Mental Health Association of for Women Lawyer’s Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County Current Member/Former Secretary, F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar
Former Board Member, Lake Worth Christian School Association
Nominee, Giraffe Award, Women’s Chamber of Current Member, Sheree D. Cunningham Black Women Lawyers
Commerce Association
Current Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
VOTE AUGUST 23 Current Member, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association
Former Palm Beach County Code Enforcement Special Magistrate
VOTE BY MAIL Former Hearing Officer for the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics

VOTE EARLY Former State of Florida Department of Children and Families, Senior
Attorney
AUG 8-21 Former Member, The Florida Bar Committee for Legal Needs of Children
Admitted, United States District Court, Southern Division
Admitted, Florida Bar Association

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