Special children
Special plans
Special needs children’s parents planning carry an extra amount of importance and considerations. Their concern about what happens when they can’t be there significantly weighs on their minds.
There is so much information, so many points of contact, and a seeming overwhelming lack of clarity for parents raising a child with special needs.
One very important thing to understand: No single person, agency, or program understands everything about your child’s situation.
You know your child’s needs and circumstances better than anyone. That doesn’t mean you should know everything. Unfortunately, there are many things you don’t even know to know.
Every situation is very different: Distinct diagnoses, prognoses, program availability and eligibility, and your own ideas about what is best for your child.
This combination requires a well-crafted, individualized plan. The time to start planning is now.
SpecialChildrenSpecialPlans.com is a comprehensive site to help you find clarity for information you are looking for. In addition, it introduces you to some information you may not know about. Even better, if you cannot find specific information, you can request that we look for it – if you need it, someone else does to.
In August 2026, we began an extensive build out of this site. It will be adding more content and resources multiple times a week. Please visit often. Request additional information be added. Share with other parents who are looking for help, too.
Special Needs Resources for Indiana Parents walks through the stretch around your child’s 18th birthday. What changes that day, the options before guardianship, and four guides you can print and write on.
Caring and well-being
When any child turns 18, all parents lose access to their information as well as the ability to be actively involved in decision making. For a child with special needs, this is a critical challenge. It requires extra steps to remain able to be involved in the immediate and on-going care and well-being of your child.
Support Programs and services
You don’t have to do it all on your own. There are programs and services available to help. What they are and what the eligibility requirements/limitations are can be a moving target. We can help keep you on track now and in the future.
assets and financial support
What income and financial resources will your child need during your lifetime. More concerning is what will those needs be after you are no longer here to oversee your child’s financial needs. Here you find an overview of sources and structures to consider for your plan and your child’s needs.
guardianship and alternatives
When is guardianship needed or required?
Are there other options available?
This article will help you to better understand how to stay actively engaged in your child’s care and well-being after turning 18.
asset protecTION: child’s assets
If your child is on SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested programs, careful monitoring is required.
If you find your child over the limits, planning options are available to get back or stay “under” maintain eligibility.
asset protection: parent’s assets
It’s hard to face, but at some point, you won’t be here for your child. It is imperative to spend some time review your child’s needs – today and in the future.
Properly structuring the necessary resources will protect and provide for your child when you can’t be there.
resources
Our comprehensive guidance and information continues to grow.
Here are a few highlights.
Special needs – SPecial Planning
Download the overview handout.
We’ll help you understand key information.
Get a better understanding of the big picture of programs and procedures.
When you are ready, set up a time to talk about the specifics of your situation.
Special needs – Parents resources
Parents can also start at our Special Needs Resources for Indiana Parents page.
It covers what changes around your child’s 18th birthday, with printable guides to help you get ready before it arrives.
It’s bigger than they tell you
There is no single place to find an overview of all of the aspects of programs, planning, and resources you may need for you and your child.
The best thing you can do is spend a little time to talk through your situation, questions, and understand options.
Call 219-230-3600 to set up a phone or video call to discuss your situation.
Who you’ll meet
RG Skadberg
RG founded CCSK Law with a simple idea: legal planning shouldn’t feel like a foreign language. Law is his sixth career; he went to law school at 47 after watching people get lost when life and the legal system collided. That’s shaped how he practices: explain the reasoning, lay out the options in plain English, and let clients pick the path that fits their lives.
RG focuses on Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medicaid and Elder Law, Probate, and planning small business owners. He’s lived in Valparaiso for 27 years with his wife Ann and their two daughters, and outside the office he’s usually building something, whether that’s a new resource for clients or his golf game.
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