What is a Letter of Intent for Child With Special Needs

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is an essential document for parents or caregivers that provides critical information about medical needs, routines, preferences, and long-term care plans of a child with special needs. It provides detailed guidance on medical care, daily routines, preferences, and long-term care plans, ensuring continuity of support if you are no longer able to provide it.

In this guide, you will learn:

Why is a Letter of Intent Important for Special Needs Children?

Every parent worries about their child’s well-being if tragedy strikes. These worries are heightened for parents of children with special needs, who may not have the capacity to communicate their needs to future caregivers.

While Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) and Guardianship Designations address financial and legal concerns, they often do not capture day-to-day care instructions that are crucial for maintaining a child’s well-being. A Letter of Intent fills this gap by providing caregivers with clear and detailed guidance on how to continue meeting the child’s unique needs.

Although a Letter of Intent is not legally binding, it complements formal estate planning documents. Parents intimately understand their child’s preferences, routines, medical history, and social interactions. By preparing an LOI, parents provide a roadmap to ensure their child will continue to receive the care and support they need—even in their absence.

Consulting an estate planning attorney can ensure your Letter of Intent aligns with your overall estate plan.

Key Components of a Letter of Intent

A well-structured Letter of Intent should include the following essential details:

• Introduction and Purpose – Clearly state the document’s purpose, the names of those drafting it, and the importance of periodic updates.
• Personal and Family Information – Include the beneficiary’s full name, birth date, contact details, marital status, and key family members. Note significant traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural practices.
• Living Arrangements – Describe the child’s current residence, duration of stay, satisfaction level, funding sources, and future housing preferences.
• Education and Employment – Outline educational background, IEP details, preferred learning methods, vocational training, and career aspirations.
• Medical and Health Care – Detail diagnoses, treatments, medications, allergies, healthcare providers, therapy routines, and assistive devices.
• Daily Routines and Personal Care – Specify hygiene, grooming, dressing, dietary needs, behavioral tendencies, emotional support strategies, and social interactions.
• Legal and Financial Considerations – Identify who manages finances, details about Special Needs Trusts, government benefits (SSI, Medicaid), guardianship status, and powers of attorney.
• Social and Recreational Activities – List hobbies, interests, preferred activities, and social engagement details.
• Final Arrangements and Personal Wishes – Document end-of-life preferences, funeral arrangements, and personal messages for future caregivers and trustees.

For a sample Letter of Intent, visit The Arc of Texas.

Tips for Creating an Effective Letter of Intent

To ensure that your Letter of Intent is comprehensive and effective, consider the following tips:

• Be Detailed and Specific: The more precise your LOI, the easier it will be for caregivers to ensure consistency in your child’s care.
• Update Regularly – As your child’s needs evolve, revise the LOI to reflect current medical, educational, and personal circumstances.
• Consult Professionals – Work with healthcare providers, educators, and legal professionals to create a comprehensive and effective LOI.
• Involve Family Members – Collaborate with close relatives to align on your child’s care plan, values, and future aspirations.
• Store and Share Securely – Keep the LOI in a safe but accessible location and share it with trusted individuals such as guardians, trustees, and key family members.

Does My Letter of Intent Have to Be In Any Specific Format?

No, a Letter of Intent does not have to follow a specific format. While it can be handwritten, typing it makes it easier to update regularly. Regardless of the format, an LOI serves as an invaluable guide for future caregivers, ensuring they understand your child’s unique needs.

Conclusion: Secure Your Child’s Future with a Well-Prepared LOI

Planning for a child with special needs requires careful thought and a personalized approach. At Rania Combs Law, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. We take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your child’s specific needs, and design an estate plan to protect their future.

This article was originally published on April 4, 2011 and updated on February 11, 2025.