Support - Planning for individuals who have a disability can be an overwhelming responsibility. Support & Trustee Advisory Services gives unbiased, non-partisan information about the things that parents must consider as they plan for their child’s future. A major objective of STAS is to help parents begin the planning process by sharing information and resources. STAS is continually searching for resources that may be of help to parents who are trying to plan for their child’s future. STAS maintains this information and makes it available to parents. As well, STAS maintains a list of lawyers and financial planners who are familiar with the workings of Henson Trusts. Although never recommending a particular legal or financial service, STAS can assist parents in choosing a lawyer or financial advisor.

There is so much to consider when planning for a son or daughter who has a disability. Certainly the financial aspect is very important, but parents must also look at the other aspects of their child’s life. Where will their child live, what supports should be put in place, can their family set up a network of support - even, what will their child’s day to day life look like? Parents can no longer count on a guaranteed level of support from service agencies, nor can anyone predict what the next 50 years will look like.

“Parents must take the lead when it comes to planning for their children who have a disability.”

Trustee - If a parent chooses to arrange a trust fund for their child with Royal Trust and Support & Trustee Advisory Services, then STAS acts as the conduit between the beneficiary and their network of support, and the Trustee, Royal Trust. Funds requested must pass through the STAS’s scrutiny before being submitted to Royal Trust. Requests for funds must be substantiated with receipts or a written estimate.

Advisory - One of the goals of STAS is to assist parents in planning for their child’s future. A supportive resource parents can trust - Support & Trustee Advisory Services is affiliated with both Community Living Mississauga and Brampton Caledon Community Living and has offices both in Mississauga and Brampton.

STAS has prepared a comprehensive, free user-friendly planning workbook entitled “Parent Planning Guide” to help parents with the planning process. It was compiled for parents and/or families who are ready to begin the planning process and are not sure how to proceed. Chock full of information, it looks at all aspects of an individual’s life – day options, alternative living options, and networks of support. It also has a large section that deals with wills, estate planning and Henson Trusts. For more information, contact STAS. We will be happy to meet with parents/families and help them to begin the planning process using this informative workbook. Click here to read an excerpt from the Planning Guide.

Services - Aside from the consultative aspect of Support & Trustee Advisory Services, STAS offers parent information sessions, and produces a quarterly newsletter. While the services offered are free, STAS maintains the right to charge a small annual fee on trusts for which it acts as advisor and does charge a $10.00 annual membership fee.