Letter of Intent — Pathways After 18

Before you begin — quick checklist

Set aside 30–60 min

Gather medical records

Know legal status

List current benefits

Note key contacts

Think about future goals

Plan a safe place to save

0 of 7 ready

Introduction

Create Your Child's Letter of Intent

For parents of teens with disabilities preparing for life after 18.

Introduction — Your Roadmap

Your roadmap

15 sections. One complete picture of your child's life.

This Letter of Intent guides anyone who supports your young adult — now or in the future. Work through each section at your own pace. Nothing is legally binding, but everything you write matters.

15 sections

30–60 min to complete

Update once per year

Export as PDF

Who they are

👤

Basic Info

Identity & contacts

📄

Purpose

Why this document

🌟

About My Child

Strengths & personality

🗓

Daily Routine

Schedule & environment

🏥

Medical & Health

Diagnoses & providers

How to support them

🧠

Behavioral Support

Triggers & calming

🎓

Education & Goals

Placement & transition

💼

Employment

Work & life skills

🤝

Social & Community

Relationships & belonging

⚖️

Legal

Guardianship & decisions

Planning for the future

💰

Financial & Benefits

SSI, Medicaid & trusts

🌅

Future Vision

Your hopes & wishes

👥

Key People

Support network

📝

Additional Notes

Anything else

✍️

Closing & Sign

Final statement

Ready to begin?

Or click any tile above to jump directly to that section.

Section 1 of 15

Basic Information

Start with the foundational details that identify your young adult and primary contacts.

Full legal name

Preferred name / nickname

Date of birth

Date written / updated

Current address

Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

Primary contact

Section 2 of 15

Purpose of This Letter

This Letter of Intent provides guidance, insight, and direction for those who may care for or support your young adult in the future. It reflects your wishes, knowledge, and understanding of their needs, preferences, and daily life.

This document is not legally binding, but it is intended to support decision-making in alignment with your young adult's best interests.

Your personal statement (optional)

Why you created this document, in your own words

Section 3 of 15

About My Child

Describe who your young adult is — their personality, how they communicate, and what they love or find difficult.

Personality & Strengths

Temperament, what makes them unique, talents, interests

Communication style

Verbal / nonverbal, preferred methods, how they express needs or emotions

Likes & Dislikes

Favorite foods, activities, music, routines — and known triggers or dislikes

Section 4 of 15

Daily Routine & Living Preferences

Capture the structure of a typical day and the environment where your young adult thrives.

Typical daily schedule

Morning routine

School / work / day program

Evening routine

Bedtime routine

Living environment preferences

Quiet vs. active, sensory considerations, social preferences

Section 5 of 15

Medical & Health Information

Document diagnoses, medications, providers, and critical health notes so caregivers are never caught off-guard.

Diagnoses

Medications

Healthcare providers

Primary care physician

Specialists

Therapists

Important health notes

Section 6 of 15

Behavioral & Emotional Support

Help future caregivers understand behaviors in context and respond effectively.

Known behaviors and what they may indicate

De-escalation strategies that work

Triggers to avoid

Calming techniques

Section 7 of 15

Education & Transition Goals

Document where your young adult is now and where they're headed.

Current educational placement or program

Transition goals

Employment, independent living, continued education, day programs

Supports needed to succeed

Section 8 of 15

Employment & Life Skills

Capture strengths in work settings and where support is needed for independent living.

Employment

Job interests or past work experience

Strengths in work settings

Areas needing support

Independent living skills

Section 9 of 15

Social & Community Life

Relationships and community belonging are core to a good life. Capture what matters here.

Friendships and important relationships

Community involvement

Preferred social interactions

Section 10 of 15

Legal & Decision-Making Information

Document who has legal authority and how decisions are made — one of the most important practical sections.

Guardianship status

Power of attorney / healthcare surrogate

Decision-making preferences and approach

Section 11 of 15

Financial & Benefit Information

Document active benefits and financial structures so no entitlement is ever at risk.

Government benefits

Check all that apply and add details

Special needs trust

Representative payee

Section 12 of 15

Future Vision & Parent Wishes

One of the most important sections. Write from the heart — what does a good life look like for your young adult?

Hopes for your young adult's future

What "a good life" looks like for them

Values you want upheld

Non-negotiables in care

Section 13 of 15

Key People in My Child's Life

List the people who should remain consistently involved — family, friends, caregivers, and service providers.

Section 14 of 15

Additional Notes

Anything not yet captured that is important for understanding and supporting your young adult.

Section 15 of 15

Closing Statement & Signature

I have created this Letter of Intent to ensure continuity of care and quality of life for my young adult. I encourage all who support them to honor their preferences, respect their dignity, and help them live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Signature (print full name)

Date signed

Keep this document current. Update at least once per year or after any major life change. Share only with trusted individuals — family, care providers, case managers, and key legal contacts. Keep both a printed copy and a secure digital backup. This letter supports, but does not replace, legal documents like guardianship orders, powers of attorney, and trusts.