Fort Bend County's Take Me Home Program: A Lifeline for Families with Special Needs
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer the Take Me Home program, a valuable resource designed to help families and individuals who may need special assistance in emergency situations. This innovative program is particularly beneficial for residents with cognitive impairments or disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, and Down Syndrome, that could affect their ability to communicate or navigate an emergency. With Take Me Home, families have an added layer of security knowing that if their loved one becomes lost or disoriented, help is just a call away.
The Take Me Home program is a voluntary, confidential service that allows Fort Bend County residents to enroll individuals who may be at risk of wandering or finding themselves in situations where they are unable to communicate. By submitting important details, including a current photo, physical description, and contact information for caregivers or family members, those enrolled in the program can be quickly identified by law enforcement in the event they are encountered by officers. If a person in the system is found, an officer can simply search the database using the individual’s name or physical description to reunite them with their loved ones.
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This service is especially crucial for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer’s, which the Alzheimer's Association estimates affects 60% of those living with dementia who will wander at least once, often repeatedly. It’s also important for children and adults on the autism spectrum, as nearly half of children with autism are at risk of wandering away from safe environments. The program works not only in emergency situations where a person may be found, but also in reverse, providing immediate access to vital information if a loved one goes missing.
To register for the program, simply visit the Take Me Home portal at SafeEncounter. It’s a simple process that can make all the difference in ensuring a loved one is safe and can be swiftly located if necessary. Individuals who qualify for the program must be family members or legal guardians of the person they wish to enroll.
The Take Me Home program is just one of the many ways the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is working to create a safer and more supportive environment for all residents. By offering this resource, the Sheriff’s Office provides families with peace of mind, knowing that if something were to happen, first responders have the tools and information they need to provide timely assistance.
For more information or to inquire about registration, please contact Sergeant Matthew Hricko at 281-341-8788 or email takemehome@fortbendcountytx.gov. With the Take Me Home program, Fort Bend County aims to build a stronger, more connected community by ensuring that every resident receives the care and attention they need, especially in times of uncertainty.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
