Special Needs Information Program

O’Fallon, Illinois – The O’Fallon Public Safety Department has created a new community partnership called the Special Needs Information Program to help reunite members of the community with special needs who have been separated from their families, schools, or caretakers. Members of the community can sign up for the program by completing the information at https://www.ofallon.org/police-department/webforms/special-needs-information-program.  

“Often children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Alzheimer’s disease, or other medical conditions that involve memory loss or confusion may wander away from their home, school, or other caretakers’ residence and get lost. When someone is lost, time is the biggest factor to ensure someone returns home safely and quickly, especially during extreme temperatures or dangerous weather. Providing accurate information to First Responders is critical and transmitting this information to the public is important. This program will assist First Responders in having advanced information on their mobile data terminals in their vehicles to locate individuals to reunite with their families,” said Mayor Herb Roach.

Important information for First Responders includes current photographs, physical descriptions, contact information for the individual, and medical information that will help with safety and behavioral concerns regarding the individual. This includes what they are attracted to, where they have been located before, and if they currently use any kind of tracking device. Suggestions for interacting with the individual and tips on what to do when they are located are also very important. This includes communication differences, verbal/non-verbal and sensory facts. Once all the information is collected the individual’s information will remain confidential and will be secured in the O’Fallon Police Department’s database so it can be provided to First Responders when necessary. These are critical facts needed to locate individuals who wander away or assist in identifying individuals who are located who have not yet been reported.

You can self-enroll, or have a parent, or loved one complete the enrollment form.  A signed waiver must also be completed before you can be enrolled.   All of this can be done digitally on the O’Fallon Police Department Website.  The O’Fallon Police Department will periodically ask for updates to ensure all information is accurate. This program is open to all O’Fallon residents, caretakers of individuals with special needs, and anyone with special needs who attends school or works in O’Fallon.

There is no cost associated with registration and you may delete your registration at any time by contacting Detective Adam Krack at [email protected].

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Grant Litteken at 618-624-4500 x 8760 or email at [email protected].