Safe Return Program
Now launching in South Louisiana!
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, we invite you to enroll in our Safe Return Program by completing the form below.
As a mother of three autistic children, I know the fear that comes with wandering or elopement. These moments can happen in an instant — and preparation can make all the difference.
While no outcome can ever be guaranteed, the Safe Return Program is designed to help families by supporting faster, more coordinated responses if a loved one goes missing. Together, we work to:
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Provide law enforcement with critical information quickly
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Mobilize trained volunteers
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Offer emotional support to families in crisis
We are proud to partner with the United Cajun Navy to strengthen community response efforts. Preparation and swift action save lives — let’s take this step together.
✅ Who Can Enroll?
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Families or caregivers of children with autism, developmental disabilities, or a history of wandering
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Residents of South Louisiana (more areas coming soon!)
📋 What You’ll Need to Register
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Basic information about your child
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Emergency contacts
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Relevant medical or safety concerns
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A recent photo
All information is kept confidential and only shared with response teams in the event of an emergency.
🌱 Help Us Grow
With the support of donors, sponsors, and community partners, we aim to expand this program to provide even greater protection and peace of mind. Future plans include:
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Supplying families with safety tools such as ID kits, tracking devices, and sensory-friendly gear
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Offering specialized training for law enforcement and first responders to better support individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other disabilities
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Expanding across more parishes and regions to reach families statewide
Your support helps us keep children safe, empower caregivers, and build a more inclusive emergency response network.
📌 Program Expansion
The Safe Return Program begins in South Louisiana as a pilot initiative, with plans to grow statewide.
Want to bring this program to your community? Contact us to learn more.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
-Is the program free?
Yes. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, this service is provided at no cost to families.
-Who can access my child’s information?
Only our Safe Return team and relevant emergency responders, and only in the event of a crisis.
-What happens after I sign up?
We will securely store your information, then send a confirmation along with any next steps.
Safe Return Program Registration
🔒 While the ATA Lopez Foundation is not a healthcare provider, we follow HIPAA-compliant data protection standards to safeguard sensitive information shared with the Safe Return Program. All information is voluntary, confidential, and only used in the event of an emergency.
Want to Help Us Grow the Safe Return Program?
With your support, we can expand this program to more communities, provide safety resources to families, and train first responders to better support individuals with special needs.
Ways to get involved:
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Become a sponsor or partner
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Volunteer with us
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Make a donation to support this life-saving work
Together, we can protect and empower families across Louisiana and beyond.

Safe Return Program- Donation Form
Support families. Protect children. Make a difference.
Thank you for supporting the Safe Return Program!
Your donation helps us expand our reach, provide critical safety resources to families, and offer specialized training for first responders.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$20
$50
$100
$200
Other