My son Jaylen is a bright and cheerful child who lights up every room. However, he lives with lymphatic malformation and level 3 nonverbal autism, conditions that contribute to his propensity for wandering and elopement. As a parent, knowing that Jaylen could wander away without the ability to communicate or seek help keeps me awake at night with worry. This is a constant source of anxiety for our family, as it is for many other families in Rhode Island with loved ones who are at risk of wandering due to cognitive impairments or developmental disorders.

Project Lifesaver is an internationally recognized program that partners with local law enforcement to track and locate people with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering. This program is a lifeline not only for families like mine but for entire communities. According to Project Lifesaver, it has a 100% success rate, with an average recovery time of less than 30 minutes. It utilizes advanced technology, including personal transmitters and proven search and rescue techniques, providing a crucial layer of protection for those at risk.

In states where Project Lifesaver is implemented, families report feeling secure about their loved ones’ safety. Rhode Island should not be the exception. It is time we bring this program to our community to enhance the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens. Reports indicate that individuals with autism are up to 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal or fatal drownings, highlighting the need for effective monitoring solutions like Project Lifesaver.

Bringing Project Lifesaver to Rhode Island would require collaboration between local law enforcement, government bodies, and community groups. The program has shown not only to save lives but also to cut search costs significantly, making it a financially sound option for our state. We can implement this life-saving program by applying for grants and allocating resources from state budgets meant for community safety initiatives.

I urge you to sign this petition to show our state leaders that there is broad support for bringing Project Lifesaver to Rhode Island. Together, we can ensure the safety of vulnerable children and adults across our state, giving families like mine the peace of mind we desperately need. Your signature could help safeguard Jaylen’s future and the futures of countless others like him.