Self-Help Probate Resources

Probate Resources

This section tells you about programs and services that can help you. Please contact them directly.

The Public Guardian/Conservator

The Court sometimes appoints the Public Guardian of Santa Clara County as conservator for an adult who cannot care for him/herself or his/her finances. The Court can also appoint the Public Guardian as trustee for an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated person when no friend or relative can be trustee.

If you are worried about an elderly, mentally ill, or incapacitated adult, you can ask the Public Guardian for help. For more information or to ask for help, call: (408) 755-7610 . If you think there is financial abuse, call the APS (Adult Protective Services) hotline: 1-800-414-2002.

The Public Administrator

The Santa Clara County Public Administrator handles estates for decedents (people who die) when no family member or other person can do it. The Public Administrator can take control of the decedent’s estate right away to make sure that nothing gets lost.

The Public Administrator can:

find (locate) family,
make burial arrangements,
manage assets,
pay creditors,
pay administration costs, and
distribute the rest of the estate to the decedent's heirs or beneficiaries.

If the decedent leaves a Will, the Court may also appoint the Public Administrator as executor. But, only if the original executor can’t or does not want to serve. For more information, call: (408) 755-7610 .

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Adult Protective Services (APS) helps elder and dependent adults who may have been hurt by abuse or neglect. APS services are free if you need them.

Services include:

investigation,
assessment,
counseling,
help developing a service plan,
case management, and
referrals to community agencies.

APS wants to help adults:

protect their own interests,
increase their personal strengths, and
set up support systems.

If you are worried about someone because you think there is physical, emotional or financial abuse, call the APS Hotline .

In cases of financial abuse, APS works with the Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST). FAST helps the DA prosecute these cases.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medi-Cal

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) gives money to:

low-income seniors (65 years old and over),
the blind, and
people with disabilities.

Whether or not you can get SSI depends on how much money you make and what you own. If you get Social Security, you may also be able to get SSI. To see if you or a family member can get SSI, call or visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in your area.

Medi-Cal helps pay for medical care for:

low-income seniors,
the blind, and
people with disabilities.

Anyone who can get SSI can also get Medi-Cal. For information and application forms, contact the Social Services Agency. For additional information on Medi-Cal, go to the State's Medi-Cal page.

Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Here is a list of places to get help for a person with a developmental disability in Santa Clara County:

Organization	Services Provided
AbilityPath	Information, referrals and legal help for people with developmental disabilities.
Easter Seals Northern California	Comprehensive therapeutic services to help individuals w/disabilities gain greater independence and mobility. Therapeutic services include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy.
Op-Community	Blog about people with disabilities and other helpful information and resources: Characteristics of people with disabilities Ability to self-service About barriers for people with disabilities Prevalence of disability Rules of etiquette made by people with disabilities
Greater Opportunities	Serving the Developmentally Disabled. Several centers in Santa Clara county with services like: training in self-care and community safety, pre-academic and leisure activities, and structured day programs for adults (18 years and over) with developmental disabilities. Get a referral from San Andreas Regional Center.
Hope Services	Provides job training, sheltered workshop experience and counseling in several centers located in Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. In addition, provides training in self-care, community safety, pre-academic activities and leisure activities depending on the individual's program plans. Manages the Senior Activity Center, which provides special structured day programs to developmentally disabled adults age 50 and over.
HIP Housing	Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include: adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities low-income seniors people with HIV/AIDS and persons with very low income
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley-Health Program	Provides free legal advice and representation to individuals in Santa Clara County who identify as living with mental health disabilities.
Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)	Special instructional classes in speech and language development, occupational skills and behavior management for autistic people or people who have a developmental disability. There are 3 residential homes for adults 18-59+ years of age, in Sunnyvale and in San Jose, and 2 homes in Cupertino for children 3-18 years of age. Call for more information on if you qualify.
Parents Helping Parents	For parents of children with special needs (like Down's Syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, autism, attention deficit disorders and premature birth, to name a few). You can find: information, training, mentoring, parent to parent contacts, referrals, networking and support groups, a lending library, and information on helpful technological devices and other local resources.
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)	Information and help for people with developmental disabilities. SARC helps people in Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Services include: diagnosis and evaluation, counseling and advocacy, help finding a place to live in the community, help going to (or leaving) a State Developmental Center, coordinating services, referrals to other agencies, and payment for some services.
Santa Clara County Office of Education	Special education programs for people with severe handicaps. The programs are for people from birth to age 22. Contact the school district you live in to get more information.
Social Vocational Services (SVS) SVS Locations	Help with work skills and finding a job, for adults with developmental disabilities (with a referral from the San Andreas Regional Center or the Dept. of Rehabilitation), SVS also has a local behavior treatment program.
Special Olympics Northern California	Athletic training and competition programs in various sports, for developmentally disabled children and adults.
United Cerebral Palsy Association	Help for family members and people who have cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities.

Services for People with Brain Injury and/or Mental Impairment

Here is a list of places to get help for people with brain injury and mental impairment in Santa Clara County:

Organization	Services Provided
Family Caregiver Alliance	Services for people caring for adults who are brain-impaired (because of an accident or a disease such as Alzheimer's).
Regional Medical Center, Therapy Services	Rehabilitation services for patients recovering from spinal injuries, head trauma and brain injuries.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center	Provides training in independent living skills (in preparation for leaving hospital care) to clients recovering from spinal cord or head injuries.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center	Services that promote independence in jobs, housing and living at home. You can get: counseling, advocacy, information, referrals, and loans of equipment for persons with disabilities in order to promote independence
Skills Plus Santa Clara Adult Education	The primary program is designed for stroke survivors and individuals who suffer from neurological disorders or physical disabilities. Taught by occupational therapists and speech therapists. Classes include: mobility training, upper body exercises, memory training, perceptual skills, language skills, listening skills, and speech skills. There are also independent living classes, like basic food preparation, leisure activities, and arts and crafts.

For more help you can go to other listings, like veterans benefits and services, out-of-home placement for supervised care, etc.

Services for People with Mental Illness

Here is a list of places to get help for a person with mental illness in Santa Clara County:

Organization	Services Provided
Community Solutions 24-Hour Crisis Line: (877) 363-7238)	Programs include: Behavioral Healthcare Services, individual, group and family counseling. Supportive Housing Services for Mentally Ill Adults and Sober living environment residence. Prevention and Education Services, home based support for overburdened families with at least one child under 5 years old Solutions to Violence Services, 24-hour Rape Crisis Line, support groups for assault survivors. Women’s Shelter for battered women.
Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Mental Health Advocacy Project	Information and advocacy for mentally ill people and people with developmental disabilities. The project wants to protect the legal rights of the mentally ill and developmentally disabled. You can get free legal advice, referral and representation for: daily living problems (like care and treatment, education and employment (information and referral only) public benefits economic rights, housing rights, consumer issues (information and referral only) discrimination general legal questions Call or stop by the office.
Momentum for Mental Health Contact information	Serves adults in the Santa Clara County community who are living with serious mental health or substance use conditions. They provide outpatient care residential treatment programs community programs supportive services employment services independent and supportive housing
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Clara County NAMI National website	Services include: information and referrals, advocacy for the mentally ill, and a library of helpful information for sale or to look at. You may have to pay a fee.
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services	Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Department provides screening and referrals for mental health treatment for families who receive Medi-Cal benefits.

Services and Benefits for Veterans

Here is a list of places to get help for a veteran in Santa Clara County:

Organization	Services Provided
Office of Veterans Services, Santa Clara County	Help getting state and federal benefits for veterans and their families.
American GI Forum	Vida Nueva helps adult males and their families return to productive lives. Bilingual staff provides peer-level recovery resources. The 120-day minimum program is for men 18 years or older who have had at least 72 hours of abstinence who require no nursing care and who agree to abide by the program regulations. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00pm.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Respite Care	Respite Care is a program that pays for care for a short time when family caregivers need a break, need to run errands, or need to go out of town for a few days. Respite Care can be helpful to Veterans of all ages, and their caregiver.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Locations San Jose Vet Center	Information and referrals for veterans’ benefits and services.
Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Menlo Park	Provides primary care and specialty health services, including addiction and substance abuse treatment, mental health care, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical and occupational therapy, suicide prevention, and more.

Services for People with Specific Diseases and Disabilities

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Organization	Services Provided
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)	Non-profit organization helping people with ADD/ADHD develop their full potential.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)	Non-profit organization helping people with ADD/ADHD develop their full potential.

HIV/AIDS or Related Diseases:

Organization	Services Provided
AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC)	Provides programs that are responsive to the changing needs of those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C (HCV) by offering: innovative outreach education prevention case management food transportation clinical trial services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to: answer questions, provide referrals, and send free publications through email and postal mail
Family Caregiver Alliance	Services like: Workshops for caregivers of brain impaired adults and victims of AIDS dementia.
HealthTrust	Serves anyone in living with Type 2 diabetes or HIV/AIDS in Santa Clara County by assuring access to all services needed to promote health, dignity, and quality of life to support the prevention and management of these conditions.

Blindness and/or Visual Handicaps:

Organization	Services Provided
California Department of Rehabilitation - Blind Field Services	Services include: education, job training, classes in mobility, adaptive techniques and devices, and transportation training. counseling.
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired	Services include: rehabilitation skills training, resources for recent vision loss employment placement services
Prevent Blindness	Teaches safety and how to prevent blindness. Offers resources and vision screening for students.
Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired Locations in San Jose, Santa Cruz and Palo Alto	Services include: low-vision clinics, counseling and support groups, Braille classes, computer skills classes, in-home training in daily living skills, orientation, and mobility, employment program, youth group, store with products for the visually impaired.

Deafness and Hearing Problems:

Organization	Services Provided
California Deaf and Disabled Telecommunication Program	Free special equipment and services. To qualify, you must live in California and have a land line, and have problems with your: hearing, vision, mobility, speech, and/or ability to understand information. You might be able to get home installation and special training. Just ask. You can get services in English or Spanish.
Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)	Services include: information and referral, peer counseling, advocacy in discrimination cases, training in independent living skills and job development, and interpreting services. Programs include: Communication Skills for Foreign-Born Deaf Adults, Deaf Latino Program, and Captioned Movie Night.
Hearing and Speech Center	Services include: educational programs, speech/language therapy, auditory training, assessments, and counseling.
Hearing Loss Association of America (California State Association)	Support for people with reduced hearing. Services include monthly meetings and information.

Strokes:

Organization	Services Provided
Skills Plus: Santa Clara Adult Education	Classes for neurologically impaired adults. Classes include: training in mobility, communication, and independent living skills.

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse:

Organization	Services Provided
AL-ANON Family Groups; ALATEEN (Santa Clara Valley) AL-ANON national site	Provides supportive services to families of alcoholics.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (Santa Clara County) AA National site AA Groups in Spanish (Grupos A.A en español)	Daily support program to help alcoholics keep from drinking. Listed are websites with information on local groups in English and Spanish (Alcohólicos Anónimos Del Area De Santa Clara).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)	Provides resources for substance abuse treatment and prevention.
Parisi House on the Hill	Residential drug and alcohol treatment center in Santa Clara County for women to stay with their babies and young children.
Department of Behavioral Health Services (Santa Clara County)	Provides access to behavioral health and substance use services.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) (Greater San Jose Area) (NA National site)	Daily support programs to help recover from addiction. Volunteer phone numbers for support.

Alzheimer’s:

Organization	Services Provided
Hearts and Minds Activity Center	Services include: a day program with a noon meal, social and recreational activities, and counseling and referrals for families. People who may be agitated, wander, or have problems of incontinence are welcome.
Alzheimer’s Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area	Services include: information, referrals to service agencies and family support groups, and a network for caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance	Services include: temporary care so families can have a break (respite care), classes that teach how to lessen frustration and burnout for caregivers, and legal help.

Organization

Services Provided

Hearts and Minds Activity Center

Services include:

a day program with a noon meal,
social and recreational activities, and
counseling and referrals for families.

People who may be agitated, wander, or have problems of incontinence are welcome.

Alzheimer’s Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area

Services include:

information,
referrals to service agencies and family support groups, and
a network for caregivers.

Family Caregiver Alliance

Services include:

temporary care so families can have a break (respite care),
classes that teach how to lessen frustration and burnout for caregivers, and
legal help.

Help with Other Diseases and Disabilities:

Provides

Organization	Services Provided
American Cancer Society	Services include: information and education (including a library of videos and printed materials), help with rehabilitation equipment, transportation, support groups for survivors of prostate cancer, mastectomy, lumpectomy and laryngectomy, some home-care, and a "wig-bank".
American Diabetes Association	American Diabetes Association’s Northern California Chapter
American Heart Association American Heart Association-Northern California	Educational materials on: heart diseases, stroke prevention, and nutrition.
American Lung Association	National and statewide organizations working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
Breathe California	Breathe California of the Bay Area fights lung disease in all its forms and works with its communities to protect lung health. Services include: breathing improvement training for people with COPD, training in how to stop smoking, a special program for people with asthma, and educational materials.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Northern California Chapter	Services include: referrals to community resources, education, counseling, Self Service groups, temporary care so families can have a break (respite care), and equipment loans.
Parkinson's Foundation	Provides information and resources for Parkinson's Disease

Housing and Living Services

Out-of-Home Placement for Supervised Care:

If a person who cannot live by him or herself anymore, the person’s doctor may suggest one of the following types of care:

Care Type	Services Provided
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) ICFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services	Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) have more supervision and some nursing care. Contact the Dept. of Health Services Licensing and Certification for a list of ICFs. And, contact them if you have a complaint about an ICF, SNF (skilled Nursing Facility), or any licensed medical institution.
Residential Care Home (RCH) Facilities RCHs are licensed by the: State Department of Social Services	People in Residential Care Home (RCH) facilities get: a room, meals, supervised self-care, and supervised taking of medications. They do not offer professional nursing care. Contact the State Dept. of Social Services for a list of licensed facilities. And, call them to report any problems in an RCH.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) SNFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services	Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) have: professional nursing care, physical and occupational therapy and other treatment as prescribed by a physician.

Care Type

Services Provided

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)

ICFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) have more supervision and some nursing care. Contact the Dept. of Health Services Licensing and Certification for a list of ICFs. And, contact them if you have a complaint about an ICF, SNF (skilled Nursing Facility), or any licensed medical institution.

Residential Care Home (RCH) Facilities

RCHs are licensed by the: State Department of Social Services

People in Residential Care Home (RCH) facilities get:

a room,
meals,
supervised self-care, and
supervised taking of medications.

They do not offer professional nursing care. Contact the State Dept. of Social Services for a list of licensed facilities. And, call them to report any problems in an RCH.

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

SNFs are licensed by the: Department of Health Services

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) have:

professional nursing care,
physical and occupational therapy and
other treatment as prescribed by a physician.

You may also contact: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (Catholic Charities).

If you want to learn about the rights of people in nursing homes or need a support group contact: California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

Housing Services for People with Disabilities:

Organization	Services Provided
Community Housing Developers	Apartments for low-income people who qualify, including seniors and physically challenged people
Community Solutions	Supportive housing services for mentally ill adults. Sober living environments.
Housing Authority of Santa Clara County	Services for qualified, low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing for Independent People (HIP)	Accessible, low cost housing. Qualifying persons include: adults with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities low-income seniors people with HIV/AIDS and persons with very low income
Momentum for Health	Temporary housing and help finding permanent housing for mentally ill people.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center	Provides training in independent living skills for clients leaving hospital care

For more help, check other sections. For example, if your family member suffers from alcohol or drug related disabilities, see the section on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services. Also see the resources in the section below.

Help for Living at Home:

People with disabilities living at home need different services. You can get these services from many agencies. You can find personal non-medical services on the list below. For more choices, look at the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under “Home Health Services and Nurses” and “Nurses Registries”. Ask if they have homemaker services and how much they cost.

Organization	Services Provided
Health Trust	Non-medical homemaker and personal care services. These services are for physically weak people and people with physical disabilities. Services include: Meals on Wheels (hot meals delivered to the home) Community Wellness: health care professionals provide immunizations, health screenings and wellness training. School based health clinics Family Health Insurance.
Sutter Health- Home Health and Hospice Care	Provides comfort and support right to your home, whether at a private house, assisted living facility, nursing home or hospice unit.
In-Home Supportive Services (Social Services Agency, Santa Clara County) County Department of Aging and Adult Services	Services to help the elderly and people with disabilities stay at home. They include: help around the house (cooking, laundry, cleaning) shopping help with dressing, bathing, and other non-medical personal services Any person who is blind, disabled, or older than 65 and has low income is eligible. If your income is higher, you may be able to get services. But, you may have to pay part of the cost.
County Senior Nutrition Program Tel: (408) 755-7680	Services for people over 60 years old (and their spouses). Provides: meals planned by dietitians, including ethnic meals senior day care programs Meals-on-Wheels program
Pathways Health	Provides treatment or assistance to a recuperating, chronically ill, or disabled person in the home. Home health care also includes specialized programs for prevention and health maintenance and can be provided on a short-term and long-term basis.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC)	Provides free services to all persons with disabilities of all ages who seek services to help further their independence in Santa Clara County.

Home Equity Programs:

You may need to use the equity in your home or a family member’s home to get money to pay for the services and equipment needed for you or a family member to live at home. You can do this by arranging a simple equity line of credit, a sale leaseback or a reverse mortgage. For Home Equity Loan Programs, contact your bank or real estate broker.

House Repair and Rehabilitation Loans:

Most cities in Santa Clara County have specific requirements for loans and grants. The cities listed below are linked to their website home page. Contact your city for information:

For all unincorporated areas of the county, contact the Housing and Community Development Programs of Santa Clara County.

Organization	Services Provided
Avenidas (Re-Inventing Aging)	Door to Door program provides referrals to house cleaning, handyman and other in-home services.
Alta Housing	Housing and information/referral services for low- and medium-income families, people with disabilities and seniors in Palo Alto.
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley	Free services for low-income senior homeowners who qualify. Services include: electrical, plumbing, painting and greater-accessibility work. Work is done in April and October. A year-round program does repairs that improve accessibility and mobility within the home. Turn your application as early as possible. They are considered on a first come-first served basis.

Organization

Services Provided

Avenidas (Re-Inventing Aging)

Door to Door program provides referrals to house cleaning, handyman and other in-home services.

Alta Housing

Housing and information/referral services for low- and medium-income families, people with disabilities and seniors in Palo Alto.

Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley

Free services for low-income senior homeowners who qualify. Services include:

electrical,
plumbing,
painting and
greater-accessibility work.

Work is done in April and October. A year-round program does repairs that improve accessibility and mobility within the home.

Turn your application as early as possible. They are considered on a first come-first served basis.

Help with Transportation

You can get help if your disability makes it impossible for you to take public transportation to medical appointments or other important reasons.

Organization	Services Provided
American Cancer Society	Drives some cancer patients to medical appointments. 24-hour service, Monday through Sunday (free of charge).
Community Services Agency of Mountain View and Los Altos	Low-cost transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities in Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. Call to see if you qualify and to set up an appointment. Ask for the senior department.
El Camino Health Care System (Roadrunners)	Transportation to El Camino Hospital from anywhere 10 miles away or less.
Heart of the Valley, Services for Seniors	Transportation to: appointments, errands, and social events. Volunteers stay with clients during medical appointments. Services are for seniors (59 and older) in Santa Clara, West San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Campbell and Monte Sereno. There are no financial eligibility requirements. But, they cannot transport people in wheelchairs or people who need walkers or canes.
Japanese American Community Senior Services (Yu-ai-kai)	Volunteers give very limited transportation help. They can take seniors in San Jose to medical appointments. And, they can help translate to and from Japanese.
Outreach	Coordinates transportation/mobility option information to serve our seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and low-income peoples.
VTA (Bus and Light Rail) ADA Transportation	Information on VTA bus and light rail services accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Sourcewise Online Resource Directory

Sourcewise (formerly the Council on Aging Silicon Valley) provides adults and their caregivers the tools and services they need to effectively navigate their health and life options in Santa Clara County. Search for services using their Online Resource Directory.

Job Training

Organization	Services Provided
California State Department of Rehabilitation	Helps people with disabilities get a job and keep it. They want to help people live independently. Services include: diagnostic and testing services for people with physical and mental impairments (like alcoholism and drug dependence), counseling, job training and placement, and tools, supplies and licenses. You can get help at several places in the county. But first, you have to fill out and hand in an application. To get an application, go to the Dept. of Rehabilitation website.
CalJOBS	Job testing and placement services. Services and computers with job listings are provided at several locations in the county.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County: Focus for Work	Helps adults with chronic mental illness get back to work. A referral from a mental health provider is needed.
Center for Employment Training (CET)	Job training and placement services for low-income people. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is an orientation in English. On Wednesdays, it is in Spanish.
MetroEd-Silicon Valley Adult Education	Training to teach entry-level job skills or improve skills you already have. Call or read the information on the websites to see if you qualify. (Students and adults must reside within one of the six school districts.)
Goodwill SV-New Opportunity Work Program	Services include: some on-the-job training help finding and getting a job A division of Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Momentum for Mental Health - Employment Services	Provides career opportunities for people with mental disabilities and helps find employment in the community. You can get on-the-job training and help finding a job in the community.
NOVAworks Career Services	They provide the workforce of San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties with career guidance, training resources and access to local job opportunities - free of charge.
Sacred Heart Community Center Employment Services Program	Helps with resume preparation, interview preparation, computer training skills and more. Free orientations to employment services in English and Spanish.
Work2Future	Helps job seekers get the skills and training they need to find a job. Helps young people enter the workforce with skills training and job search assistance.
West Valley Career Service	You may call to make an appointment to meet with a career advisor.

More Agencies and Information

Note: below is a list of external agencies.

Agencies related to Developmental Disabilities:

Note: below is a list of external agencies.

Please refer to our Disclaimer regarding all external websites linked on this page and elsewhere on our website.