If you have a child with autism or any kind of developmental disability who wanders, Project Lifesaver might be of interest.
The program, used in all 50 states and Canada, employs radio frequency technology to find children and young adults with autism or developmental disabilities who wander, and works to safely returns them home. Project Lifesaver claims that it’s “the first to apply such locating techniques to aid in the search and rescue of individuals.”
Individuals who are part of the program wear a personalized bracelet that emits a locating signal. The bracelet is a one-ounce battery-operated radio transmitter that produces an automatic locating signal every second, 24 hours a day, according to Westchester County’s Project Lifesaver program, which has been operational since approximately 2009. The signal can be traced on the ground or in the air up to 6-10 miles. The bracelet is water resistant and can be worn in the bath, shower, pool, etc., and is made out of very strong plastic material.
After caregivers call 911, their local police department will be dispatched to the area to begin the search for the missing person. In Westchester County, Westchester County Police also need to be called and dispatched to the area to search with a mobile locator receiver system.
To be eligible for sign-up, a person must:
- Live with parents/guardians (it’s not available for those who live in group homes or residencies);
- have a tendency to wander or get lost;
- have autism or other developmental disabilities.
To locate the Project Lifesaver member agency that serves your area, click here, or call 1-877-580-LIFE for assistance. You can also just do a search using your county and “Project Lifesaver,” which will likely bring up the needed information.
In Westchester, Project Lifesaver is a partnership between Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJSC), Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (WCDCMH), and Westchester County Department of Public Safety (WCDPS).
Those interested in the program there should contact WJCS Project Lifesaver Program Manager Isabel Pettersen at 914-761-0600 x2230; ipettersen@wjcs.com.
