Our Back to School Special! – Protect Your Children

Shopping for school supplies and clothes or uniforms is a busy time for parents.  As you cross off each item on the list – don’t leave out the most important one!

Protecting your Children in an Emergency

Whether your children or grandchildren are heading back to a local school, or boarding school, or college further away, you want to be sure that your children will be protected in an emergency if they are not with you.  The Cramer Law Center can help!

Here are some reminders and suggestions.

For Children under 18 – “Minors”

1.         In addition to your child’s school, make sure all of the people who take care of them – including grandparents, babysitters, older siblings, or neighbors have your up-to-date contact information, including changes in your cell or pager numbers.  And don’t forget to update that emergency contact list on your fridge or bulletin board!

2.         Contact our office about the documents that you need to ensure that the appropriate people in your life have the ability to make decisions about your child (e.g. in a medical emergency) if you can’t be reached or are out of town.

3.         Enroll your child in the DocuBank Family Care Card, so that your child’s caregivers (babysitters, grandparents, etc.) as well as doctors and hospitals can have immediate access to the information they need to care for your child in an emergency.  And, you get an alert if the card is used.

For Children over 18 – “Young Adults”

1.         Make sure that your 18 year old signs, at the very least, a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a HIPAA Release, even if they are in college.  They are now legal “adults” and these documents can ensure that a hospital will still give you medical information about them in an emergency.

2.         Ensure that these documents will be available immediately at the hospital when needed by enrolling your child in DocuBank I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) for college-age children.  You will receive an alert from DocuBank if your child’s I.C.E. card is used by emergency staff.  (Additional note:  I.C.E. and an “adult child” planning package can also make a great gift for grandchildren.)

Call the Cramer Law Center today to discuss these special documents and services that can make a critical difference for you and your child in the event of an emergency.

Let us handle this burden, so you and your children can enjoy a great school year!