Take Me Home program with 911 alert system

[Hameedeh]

In the US, a relatively new program called Take Me Home (not available everywhere, but growing in popularity) allows a parent or legal guardian to register a child or adult who may have difficulty communicating due to a developmental or cognitive disability, while lost or in an emergency situation. These individuals tend to be at risk for wandering and may include people with disabilities such as Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Down syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), etc.

Information usually on the registration form: First name, Last name, Name to call me (nickname), date of birth, hair color, eye color, race, sex, height, weight, home address, phone number, Description of disability, Treatment facility if applicable, Medications

Having all the important information and a photo of the face in the TMH database can help find the child/adult faster. 

All you need to do is call 911 and say someone registered with the Take Me Home program is missing. The 911 dispatcher will quickly find the name and already have the information including face photo to notify police to start looking for him/her.

The program maintains a secure database of individuals with special needs who reside within the jurisdiction of the county Sheriff’s office and police departments can help. Documented implementations of the "Take Me Home" program with 911 connectivity exist in multiple states, including Florida, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. 

The TMH program software is available for free to law enforcement agencies nationwide and has proven effective in reuniting vulnerable individuals with their loved ones. By reducing the time it takes to identify and assist a lost person, the program plays a critical role in safeguarding those at risk due to medical or cognitive conditions.

If your local sheriff's office or local police station does not have it yet, ask them to start the program. 

[notme]

About a year ago my son wandered off. 

We did call 911, but we had to wait for the officer to come to us to show him a photo, which he then sent to dispatch.  After the police had the photo, it was only minutes before my child was found.  

He was found naked, in a pond, across a highway. Since then, every time I read about the body of a child with autism found in a pond or a child hit by a car, I have a little panic. 

I would use this program if it were available here.  

Edited March 17 by notme

[Essentials123]

1 hour ago, notme said:

About a year ago my son wandered off. 

That is so scary. I am glad your son was found.