CGSFSO

10 Common Questions About Special Needs and Estate/Life-care Planning

Q: Why is financial preparation and estate planning so important for families with members having special needs?
Often, families understandably become so focused on day-to-day needs that they lose sight of the larger life-care issues and the costs that loom ahead. Financial preparation can seem like an overwhelming task. Financial security and independence is at risk for the child with special needs and the other members of the family, including the caregivers. Without proper planning, parents could make mistakes – such as accepting a gift from a generous relative – a gift that could disqualify their child from critical governmental programs. Additionally, the costs of care over time could drain family finances and harm the parents’ ability to provide for other children and/or fund their retirement.

Q: How should a family get started?
One of the best ways to get started is to catalogue important information about the family member with autism/special needs so that it is all in one place and accessible to future caregivers in an emergency. An extremely effective device for compiling this information is the letter of intent.

Q: What’s a letter of intent?
Although not legally binding, a letter of intent offers guidance to the courts and trustees for interpreting care instructions and typically includes emergency contacts, medical history, preferred living arrangements, education or work arrangements, recreational preferences, behavioral challenges, and a summary of family and financial information. The letter is a good planning document for parents/caregivers to share with a Special Care Planner or other financial professional who specializes in working with special needs, attorneys, CPAs and others who can use it as a guide in drawing up plans, wills, trusts, and other documents. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) offers a free template of a letter of intent that families can use to begin developing or supplementing life-care plans for family members with disabilities or other special needs. The letter, created with the input of MassMutual professionals with decades of combined experience in special needs financial preparation, is a fillable Word document that can be customized by parents and/or caregivers to reflect their specific situations. Parents and caregivers can visit www.massmutual.com/specialcare to request the letter, which is on a compact disc, and a MassMutual Special Care Planner will contact the family in response.

Q: Why should families with members with special needs involve a Special Care Planner?
MassMutual Special Care Planners receive advanced training and information in estate and tax planning concepts, special needs trusts, government programs, and the emotional dynamics of working with people with disabilities and other special needs and their families. No one professional can provide everything a family needs. A Special Care Planner works with an integrated team made up of an attorney, a CPA and others — such as social workers, caregivers, and other financial professionals — all working together in the best way to serve the family. The Special Care Planner certificate program is offered by The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, exclusively for MassMutual financial professionals.

Q: What is a Supplement Special Needs Trust (SSNT) and why is it important?
A SSNT helps provide financial resources to an individual with special needs without jeopardizing eligibility for federal aid. Even one dollar more than $2,000 in assets can disqualify an individual from governmental programs. Assets in an SSNT do not count against this $2,000 limit, making it an effective vehicle for enhancing the lifestyle of the person with special needs. You need not be wealthy to have a trust. There are many ways to fund trust accounts.

Q: What should a parent of a child with autism or other special needs know about wills?
Intestacy laws in certain states dictate that a child will inherit a portion of the parent’s estate, which is usually enough to disqualify a child with special needs from receiving support from federal programs. It’s important for both parents to have wills and for the wills to coordinate with other planning documents, such as the child’s trust. For example, the SSNT can accept the child’s share of the estate, thereby preserving the child’s eligibility for governmental programs.

Q: How should parents go about choosing guardians, caregivers, and trustees?
It’s very important to select the right people for these jobs and advise them of your selection. A great caregiver (guardian) might be a terrible money manager (trustee) and vice versa. The co-trustee or “committee” approach is often used in difficult situations in which the burden of care and/or oversight is too much for one person alone.

Q: What happens when the child becomes an adult?
Many parents assume they will retain guardianship of their child, regardless of age. However, once your child reaches age of majority (typically at age 18 or 21, depending in which state you live), you must file for legal guardianship. In many cases, the guardianship process is merely a formality. But it’s important to remember that guardianship is a court-appointed procedure.

Q: What long-term issues should a family consider?
Housing, education, work opportunities, recreational programs, lifestyle, daily transportation, medical costs and custodial care are among many long-term issues that families with members having special needs must address. It’s important to develop projections for each of these costs when determining a child’s lifelong financial needs.

Q: Where else can a family with a member having special needs turn to find help?
Your child may be eligible for benefits under Medicaid, Medicare*, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), or the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) provision of the Social Security Act. Parents and caregivers can visit the Web sites for these entities to check eligibility requirements. Easter Seals and other non-profit organizations provide services, education, outreach and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Corporations can be helpful, as well. MassMutual offers free resource guides, including a directory of organizations with information for people having disabilities and other special needs. Working with a Special Care Planner, who is aware of available resources and how to coordinate them, is advisable. For more information, families can visit www.massmutual.com/specialcare where they can order the following four free financial guides:

§ Making Plans: a financial guide for people with Down syndrome and their families
§ Resource Guide: for people with disabilities and other special needs
§ With Open Arms: a financial guide for families with disabilities
§ Letter of Intent: a letter of intent template for families to begin developing/supplementing life-care plans
§ Gift Guide: for giving gifts to children having special needs to avoid the risk of losing government funding

For a free consultation call Gwen Faulkner at 856-673-4045 or email her at Gfaulkner@finsvcs.com

Visit us on our website at www.Faulkner-Financial.com
*For more information regarding benefits provided by Medicare or Medicaid (Medi-CL in California), visit www.cms.hhs.gov. Medicaid guidelines vary by state. Contact your local Medicaid office for details.

The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. MassMutual, its employees and representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel.
MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual and its subsidiaries had more than $500 billion in assets under management at year-end 2007. Assets under management include assets and certain external investment funds managed by MassMutual’s subsidiaries. Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutually owned financial protection, accumulation and income management company headquartered in Springfield, Mass. MassMutual’s major affiliates include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC (www.finra.org and www.sipc.org); MassMutual International LLC and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. MassMutual is on the Internet at www.massmutual.com.
CRN201012-114147

If you are the primary caregiver or point person for a loved one with a disability or other special needs, it’s important that you have a life care plan in place to help ensure that their care will continue if you yourself are faced with a personal emergency or extended illness. What will happen to your loved one’s quality of life if you are not able to oversee the details, even for a short time? Who will step in at your death or if you are ill to make sure that your child or loved one has those critical things that affect his or her quality of life, such as certain equipment, special treatments, outings and activities. Having a backup plan in place for these contingencies is as important as planning for the day-to-day care for your loved one.

Without such planning, it is possible that your state and/or federal government will make the decisions about benefits, medical care, finances, living arrangements, custodians and guardians. Parents of special needs children know that this is not an acceptable option. Think of special needs planning as building a house for your child. Every segment of the house is important and must be designed to support the entire house so that it can weather any storm. The goal is to provide for your child when you are no longer able to and to utilize the available public benefits without disruption. With proper planning, your loved one can receive an inheritance, accept financial gifts from friends and loved ones, and most importantly, maintain a comfortable standard of living, without compromising access to those government benefits.

Four Steps to a Solid Special Needs Financial Plan
1. Legal documents are the foundation of this special planning. Wills and trusts should be in place to express and execute your message, to be the voice of your child when you can no longer serve in that role. Included in this process is the choice of guardians and trustees. Who will care for your child and monitor and protect the benefits and services they need. A particular type of trust designed specifically for your child – a special needs trust – may also be required.

2. Financial planning serves is the walls of your home. Throughout the planning process, you will discover and consider strategies for providing and managing resources and benefits for you as caregiver and for your child during your lifetime and beyond. You will learn how to properly fund a special needs trust and understand what those funds can do for your Childs future when you are not around to provide income.

3. The Letter of Intent is the roof. This document gives parents the opportunity to record and share information that will be needed for their child’s everyday care and quality of life. It provides direction to medical care providers, daily care providers, and family members.

4. Annual reviews. Every house needs periodic repairs. Your special needs plan will need adjustments and improvements as your circumstances change. Be sure to update your plan accordingly.
Planning is the only way to ensure your special child’s future well being. Take action today.

Life Care Planning Process for the disabled.

Resources for the Disabled
Life Insurance
Special Needs Planning
Special Needs Trust Services*
Asset Management
Charitable Giving
Financial Strategies for Women

Free to Parents
Resource Guide
“With Open Arms” financial planning guide from Easter Seals
“Making Plans” financial planning guide from the National Down Syndrome Society
Trial Subscription to Exceptional Parent Magazine
Letter of Intent CD
Feel free to contact Gwen Faulkner at 856-673-4045 or visit us on our website: www.Faulkner-Financial.com Gwen Faulkner began to dedicate her practice to the special needs community five years ago. More than 50% of her practice is now spent working with families and a team of professionals to help design a life care plan to help better their children’s future.
*Trust services can be funded by The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB, a wholly-owned stock subsidiary of MassMutual, or seek trust services from other sources.

MassMutual’s SpecialCare program provides access to information, specialists and financial products and services that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs.
Gwen Faulkner is a Registered Representative of and offers securities through MML Investors Services, Inc. Member SIPC. Supervisory office: 2 Bala Plaza, Suite 901, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 766-3000. Insurance offered through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and other fine companies.
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PAFACOM, Inc. provides residential, day programming and supported employment services to developmentally disabled adults throughout southern New Jersey.

PAFACOM, Inc. is funded primarily by the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities.

The PAFACOM, Inc. homes are located in beautiful, rural neighborhoods and submit to the highest standards in terms of upkeep and maintenance. The residential program is designed to assist residents in becoming fully integrated within the community. The residents partake in everyday living activities, such as cooking, banking, shopping and community social events.

PAFACOM, Inc. provides day programming services at its Training Center located in Vineland, NJ. Adults who attend the Training Center may choose to participate in a variety of programs and services, to include: community programming, the seniors program, production/contract work, The Budding Chef’s Café, retail training, or the recycling center.

The PAFACOM, Inc. vocational program consists of several employment specialists who provide intake, assessment, employment readiness training, pre-placement, on-the-job training and follow-along services. The program is committed to assisting developmentally disabled adults find and maintain desirable, competitive jobs in the local community.

For more information on PAFACOM, Inc. and its programs, please visit the website at www.pafacom.org or call 856-696-1661, and ask for:

Michelle Vernamonti – Chief Executive Officer
Karen Gouse – Residential Programs
Linda Ganassi – Day and Employment Programs

The little things really do add up. Saving an extra dollar here or $2 there can add up faster than you think. When you start looking at $20 and $30 differences it adds up much quicker still!

1. Check discounted food places. Many areas have a “canned food store”, “salvage store” or other place where dented cans, discontinued brands and such are deeply discounted. This can add up to big savings even on name brand items. A recent trip to a local place gleaned 10 bread and cake mixes at 59 cents each – this is a savings of $10 or so on it’s own. Potato mixes, pancake mixes and other things can be bought on sale. Usually it’s cheaper to measure and make things from scratch but when you can get a mix of nut bread for 59 cents that includes the nuts it’s hard to beat it! Mix in a couple handfuls of oatmeal and a little cinnamon for a yummy, easy quick bread that is very inexpensive. Sometimes muffin mixes can be found 10/$1. The small Jiffy biscuit and cornbread mixes for 10 cents, often with the box dented but still sealed.

2. Check the meat case for dated items – you can often find meats for $1-2 per pound. It might be pork chops one time, ground meat another and steak another. We seldom eat steak because of the cost – but when three meals worth is $4 it’s just too good to turn down! I’ve found ground burger for about $1 per pound both in one pound and 3-4 pound amounts. Take a pound of that $1 burger, a 69 cent jar of salsa, a 10cent box of Jiffy corn bread and a little barbeque sauce or 10cent pack of chili mix and a little cheese – for less than $3 you have a tasty, quick meal – simply mix it all together or top the cornbread with browned burger, salsa and cheese. This makes plenty for four people – for two we normally have two lunches leftover (and it reheats well!). You’ll need to get these discounted meats home and in the freezer, and use them right away when thawing – but between these two places you can save a lot of money on your food budget!

3. Do you have an area to plant things in? Large pots on the corner of the deck or even an old sink pressed into service…plant some food you can grow yourself. Lettuce mixes, peppers, tomatoes and other things can be grown very economically – some decent soil, a pack of seeds less than $1 and you have enough peppers or tomatoes for many. If you are in a small town or apartment community with like minded people – consider a seed swap! Many seed packets will have 30-50 seeds – more peppers than you need. One person buys a pack of peppers, someone else buys tomato, someone else buys other seeds and you can have an inexpensive, decorative and edible “garden” on your deck or patio without breaking the budget. Often you can find lettuce and replant several crops during the year – seeds 10/$1 will give you all the salad you can eat for $1 for the year. 4. Consider the no-brand or store brand items. While there are differences for some when the name brand is $1.99 and the store brand is a dollar – 30 items like that puts another $30 in your pocket! Look for things on sale; while coupons are a great idea watch using them – if your 50 cent coupon is for a $3 item it might till be more expensive than the $2 no-name-brand same item. Go to the bulk food aisle and stock up. Large plastic jars that contained pretzels have been pressed into service storing pasta – at $2.33 for a large bag we can get by for 2-3 months on a single bag – much cheaper than the boxed pasta dinners! Check expiration dates on dairy, meats and other items where possible. That $10-20-30 you save set aside – when something goes on sale in bulk you can stock up without breaking the budget. 5. Check your service plans. The long distance calls of $40 might be better with an unlimited long distance program of $25 – savings of $15 per month. Don’t rely on obvious advertising – ask. After an accident this past year with a car that was financed we had full coverage on it – but ended up with not enough to pay it off. Lesson learned – for used cars buy cash and watch your deductable as well as coverage. Consider if for the difference of full coverage vs liability and medical if it’s worth it. For a car valued under $2,000 it usually is not! The car is easily “totalled” (more damage than the blue book value) and therefore what you get is minimal. If the difference is $30-40 per month put that money in a fund. If, heaven forbid, you have an accident and have $1500 or $2,000 saved up you can immediately go out and get another vehicle rather than waiting for the insurance to clear. In our case that took an extremely long time even though there was no medical claim or other people involved.

6. Take charge of pet health. An annual veterinary exam is a good idea. Consider carefully and research whet her your pet *needs* annual vaccinations – some studies show they do more harm than good. See if the immunity level can be checked to prevent over-vaccination. Rabies shots used to cover 3-5 years – annual vaccination of the same basic thing does not give more immunity and if the animal doesn’t need it then you’re wasting money. A blood test can tell you. Learn to give vaccinations yourself (rabies vaccination must be done by a vet) – pay attention to prevention and limit the amount of food to keep the pet from being too fat, which increases health problems, is a waste of money and shortens his life.

7. Maintain your vehicles! Regular oil changes, tire care and “babying” your vehicle insures it will be there when you need it. Don’t forget the spare tire and roadside kit which should be in the vehicle at all times. Consider a small hydraulic jack – often under $20! – instead of the inexpensive and sometimes frustrating ones that come with many vehicles. Even if you can’t do it having the right things available lets a helpful citizen have the tools along with the willingness to help.

8. Do a weatherization check on your home. Look for leaks in the plumbing, air leaks where energy is lost, weatherstripping along the doors and windows. While you’re at it check your fridge and freezer to make sure the seals are tight – a paper put into the closed door should be difficult to pull out. Good weatherization can save money!

9. Start a compost bin. You would be surprised how much is thrown out that can be composted – and put around those plants you’re growing to feed yourself and your family! Most kitchen and yard waste instead of being hauled away can be used literally in the garden. Grass clippings, leaves and other “waste” need not be a problem to be discarded – use it!

10. Search thrift stores and yard sales for great deals on clothing. Sometimes expensive name brand items can be found for under $5 each. Jeans for working out in the yard can be $20 or $30 or $4 – as long as they cover you the important thing is handled!

11. Look for “other” things or solutions to what you need. A clear example of this was recently looking for a bulletin board for the office. I balked at the smallish ones for $10-15-20. Instead I bought two sheets of white ceiling tile for $3.66 each – and have roughly a 4X4′ area for much cheaper than the standard ones. A couple nails to put it on the wall and it was ready to be put to use. Often builders throw out extra wood and other materials that they don’t need – get permission to salvage these things and use them. A cabinet on wheels with a nice countertop makes a useful, handy and inexpensive “island” work area for the kitchen or craft area – and the savings on getting free items means often the wheels and top is all you need to buy – savings can be several hundred dollars on this project! An advantage – you not only have extra work space but also extra storage under it – and it easily wheels to the corner when not in use.

12. When cooking some things make double batches – chili and other things are easy to double. Get storage containers and freeze the extra – those nights you’re too tired to cook you still have something easy to heat up without having to order out. Done enough it’s worth getting a small extra freezer.

13. Buy direct whenever you can. Farmer’s markets, Community Supported Agriculture and other programs make it easier than ever to buy fresh, reasonably priced produce and often other products such as eggs, honey, flowers and craft items. Seek out livestock raisers and ask about buying a market hog – they take it to the processer and it’s cut and wrapped to your specifications and you pick up roughly 180 pounds of pork that is cheaper than “the store” and helps an independent farmer survive. Lamb, beef and other meats are also possible to be bought this way. For the not squeamish willing to learn you can learn to process and cut up the meat yourself after the animal is killed, dressed, skinned and chilled.

14. Avoid the drive thru! With gas prices going up all the time it’s more expensive than ever to spend 10-15 minutes (3-4 cars!) waiting in drive thrus. You are getting ZERO miles per gallon and it’s often more time efficient to park and go in – you can be out and on your way before that car that took where you would have been gets to the head of the line!

15. Consider shopping at “dollar stores” – there’s several types of these from discount stores to truly everything is $1. Again – buyer beware – the package sizes often aren’t cheaper if you compare but for many things you can save a lot of money. The ziploc bags (no name brand) and trash bags, shampoo, potpourri and many other things are inexpensive. Storage solutions can be found as well as good deals on office supplies. The money saved by careful shopping and attention to detail can add up very quickly. Couldn’t afford to take a vacation or go out last year? These things can make that big of a difference in this one!

How to Deal With Interview Stress

By Caroline Levchuck

To many job seekers, “stress” is synonymous with “job interview.”
Job seekers stress over landing an interview. Then they stress over preparing for it. And then they stress over what to wear, what to say, if the interviewer will like them and more.
But the worst stress of all often occurs during the interview. This is the stress that can cause you to blow it. It can make you freeze, panic, chatter aimlessly, lose your train of thought or perspire profusely.
So how can job seekers keep cool when it counts? Relax. A few simple
techniques can help calm frayed nerves and sooth interview jitters.

Early Warning

Timing is everything: Don’t cause yourself undue stress before a big interview.
Arrive about 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin.
If you arrive too early, you’ll sit and wait and worry. And if you arrive too late, you may find yourself racing in the door, your heart already pounding from a last-minute dash.
A ten-minute, pre-interview break will give you an opportunity to catch your breath and acclimate to your surroundings. It’s enough time, but not too much time.
Picture This
You can make your dream a reality. Use your imagination to stay calm during a job interview.
Visualization is a relaxation technique in which you create a mental image of a stressful or challenging situation. Then you imagine yourself succeeding in the situation. By doing so, you’re mentally preparing to handle the event in real life.
You can practice visualization in the days, hours or even minutes before an interview. Simply close your eyes and breathe deeply. Picture yourself greeting the interviewer confidently and answering tough questions with ease.
Practice succeeding in your imagination, and soon you’ll be doing it in reality.

Relax

A relaxed job candidate is a confident job candidate.
Show the interviewer that you’re calm, composed and in command during an interview. He’s likely to assume that you’ll be rock-solid on the job too.
Use these tips to stay relaxed during an interview:
· Breathing deeply and slowly (and quietly, of course).
· Sit up straight and don’t cross your legs or arms.
· Speak slowly and pause for breath often.
· Keeps your hands and jaw relaxed; no clenching.
· Smile — it really is contagious!

Pause, Don’t Panic

In every interview, there comes a moment that doesn’t go according to plan. There’s an awkward silence. You stumble over your words. You flub a tough question.
Don’t panic. Now’s the time to put your relaxation skills into overdrive.
It’s much easier to control fear and panic as it starts to build than to calm yourself down once they’ve begun to spiral out of control.
When you feel yourself starting to panic and lose focus, pause. Tell yourself silently that you can do this. Take a deep breath. Refocus. And then resume interviewing.
A quick ten-second pause can be all you need to regain your composure and get back in control. And the interviewer likely won’t even notice.

The very factors that have many consumers worried about affording this year’s tax bill could actually work in their favor this tax season.

Taxpayers whose wages were slashed in 2008 — or worse, who were laid off — may be eligible for tax credits that weren’t within their reach in previous years. In addition, first-time home buyers and parents of children under age 17 may also be able to save a little money on their tax bill thanks to some new credits and thresholds.
“These overlooked credits are relevant in the current economy and could mean the difference in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your tax refund,” says John Evans, Northeast tax director at BDO Seidman.

Here are four credits that can help boost your refund.

Recovery Rebate Credit

Feel like you got shortchanged last year when the government doled out its Economic Stimulus Act rebate checks? Well, if you didn’t qualify for the rebate before or didn’t receive the full amount ($600 per taxpayer and $1,200 if married and filing jointly) because your income was too high (or too low), you may now be able to collect.
The rebate checks that were sent out last year were based on information on your 1040 for 2007. This second chance to collect will be based on your 2008 1040. So if your income took a hit last year, it may be worth a shot. You can also qualify for this credit if you had a child in 2008, among other reasons.

First-Time Homeowner Credit

For those who bought a home last year or want to in the months ahead, Uncle Sam has a little present for you. This tax credit, essentially a temporary, no-interest loan, is being offered to those who bought — or will buy — a home between April 9, 2008, and June 30, 2009, and who didn’t own a home during the three years preceding the purchase.
The maximum amount of the credit equals either 10% of the home’s price or $7,500 ($3,750 if you are married, but filing separately), whichever is less. One hitch: Homeowners will have to repay the credit over 15 years by either owing more in taxes or receiving a smaller refund. So, if you claim the credit on your 2008 tax return, you’ll have to start repaying it when you file your taxes for 2009. (The 2009 tax return will include an extra line for this credit.)

Child Tax Credit

Many parents will be eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $1,000 per child this year as long as that child was under the age of 17 at the end of 2008. (This credit is in addition to the regular $3,500 exemption that you can claim for each dependent.)
The child tax credit begins phasing out for filers whose modified adjusted gross income is above $110,000 if they are married and filing jointly, above $75,000 for single filers, or more than $55,000 for married filing separately. In addition, the child (who can also be the filer’s sibling, stepchild, grandchild, niece or nephew) must have not provided more than half of his or her own support and, in most cases, must have lived with the filer for more than half of 2008.
The one catch: The amount you receive from the child tax credit is partly based on your income so you may not receive the full amount — or possibly anything. If you don’t qualify for any or all of the $1,000 child tax credit you’re still in luck. Try applying for the additional child tax credit, which also offers up to $1,000 per qualifying child. (Taxpayers who qualify for parts of both credits can only receive a maximum of $1,000 per eligible child.) Typically, this credit is reserved for low-income taxpayers, but a recent change in the way the IRS computes eligibility for this credit, will allow more middle-income taxpayers to qualify this year, says Eric Smith, a spokesman for the IRS.

Earned Income Tax Credit

This credit is typically geared toward low-income taxpayers, but given the rise in the unemployment rate and wage cuts, more people are likely to qualify for it this year, says Evans. (According to the IRS, one in six taxpayers currently can claim this credit.)
To qualify, families with two or more children must have made less than $41,646 in 2008, and those with one child must have earned less than $36,995. Also, individuals without children who make less than $15,880 are eligible.
The maximum credit for each of these groups is $4,824, $2,917 and $438, respectively.
Taxpayers who qualify to claim this credit on their federal income tax return may also be eligible for a similar credit on their state or local income tax return. Twenty-two states, including New York, Maryland and Iowa, offer residents an earned income tax credit.

Copyrighted, SmartMoney.com. All Rights Reserved.

In today’s society there has been an increase in gang activities and gang recruitment throughout the United States. This has become a concern to a lot of rural communities and cities as well as to families. These concerns have families wondering what they can be do to stop these gang activities and recruitment. First, you may contact your local police department for possible gang awareness classes. These classes are offered to inform people of the dangers these gangs impose. Also they discuss different signs to look for in your own children. These classes are very informative. Second, establish a town watch because these act as a deterrent. Finally, this is the most important pay attention to your children. Children are like sponges, they absorb everything you tell them. For instance, I’m sure you or someone else has said something and miraculously you hear it from your child. Also if they feel that they are being ignored or if they feel that they are not part of the family they will look elsewhere. For example, they will turn toward gangs because they feel that they are part of a family. This is truly one of the real reason why children, teens, and even adults become involved in gang activity. Furthermore, spend time with your children and involve them in different activities so they wont look toward gangs and become a positive role model to others.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our new blog. We will be using this blog to spread the word about the Cumberland Gloucester Salem Family Support Organization.

Please check back soon to read more.

Naeem Callaway
Executive Director
www.cgsfso.com