Fort Bend County’s Take Me Home Program Offers Lifesaving Support for Vulnerable Residents
For families across Fort Bend County, including those in fast-growing communities like Fulshear, an important yet often overlooked resource offers peace of mind during critical moments. The Take Me Home™ Program, already in place through the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, is a voluntary and confidential registry designed to assist individuals with cognitive impairments who may become disoriented, lost, or struggle to communicate during a crisis. This article aims to raise awareness of the program’s ongoing availability and life-saving potential.
The initiative, originally developed by the Pensacola Police Department and now supported locally through ImageSoft’s SafeEncounter platform, is tailored to individuals who face a higher risk of wandering—such as those with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Dementia, or Down Syndrome. When registered individuals are found by law enforcement, officers can access a secure database to help reunite them with loved ones quickly and safely.
“Take Me Home is about bridging the gap between law enforcement and vulnerable individuals in our community,” said Sergeant Matthew Hricko of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. “This program allows us to respond with more compassion and more efficiency.”
How the Program Works
Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and confidential. Families or legal guardians of individuals with qualifying cognitive conditions can submit a current digital photograph, demographic information, and emergency contact details through the SafeEncounter system. Law enforcement officers can access the database from their vehicle or station, either by name or physical description, to identify someone who may be lost or nonverbal.
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If a registered person is reported missing, their information is also instantly available to first responders, allowing for a quicker and more informed search effort. This dual functionality enhances both recovery times and safety outcomes in emergencies.
Who Is Eligible?
Residents of Fort Bend County—including cities like Fulshear—are eligible if they or their loved one has a qualifying cognitive impairment. Conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Dementia
- Down Syndrome
Those with only physical, hearing, or vision impairments—or individuals who can communicate through translators or interpreters—are not eligible. All enrollments must be made by a legal guardian or family member.
Why It Matters
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten people with dementia will wander at some point, with many unable to ask for help or provide personal information. The same holds true for many individuals with Autism or developmental disorders. In these situations, time and information are critical.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that wandering incidents in individuals with cognitive disabilities result in a significantly higher risk of injury or death if not resolved within 24 hours. The Take Me Home™ Program is designed to reduce those risks.
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“In the event of an emergency, every second counts. This tool equips officers with real-time information that can mean the difference between danger and safety,” said Sgt. Hricko.
Getting Enrolled
Enrollment in the Take Me Home™ Program can be initiated at this link through the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. All data is stored securely and is only accessible to authorized personnel for the purpose of aiding public safety.
Contact Information
- Sergeant Matthew Hricko
- Phone: 281-341-8788
- Email: takemehome@fortbendcountytx.gov
- Website: Take Me Home Program Website
For families in Fort Bend County, the Take Me Home™ Program is more than a digital registry—it’s a vital connection between vulnerable residents and those sworn to protect them.
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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.
