The Safety Matters program was inspired by Kent Jacobs.  Because Kent had a cognitive disability affecting his ability to analyze and understand potentially dangerous situations, he and other people with similar disabilities are very vulnerable to predators and those who would take advantage of them.  Individuals with cognitive disabilities and certain types of mental illness often do not have the analytical skills to sense danger, nor the ability to free themselves from a dangerous or volatile situation.

"Cases of missing adults and children translate into a disabling fear to families who continue to search for their loved one.  This program steps up to fill in the gap with continuity of care when initial resources are exhausted.  The Safety Matters curriculum opens up a conversation that empowers while decreasing risk factors and increasing self-efficacy; this will enhance a safe mainstream into the community for this target population.  I fully endorse this curriculum as a thorough guide and empowering tool to promote the safety of special needs children and adults." --- Susan Elston, M.S.W., L.C.S.W

Safety Matters is a two-part program.  The first part of the initiative is geared toward the parents or care-givers of special needs adults and children and it is made up of eight simple safety points that are designed to empower the individual, not cripple them with fear.  The second component is the I am SAFE (Secure, Aware, Firm, and Educated) curriculum and it is designed to be taught on an on-going basis to adults or children.

The program kit is free of charge and is available for download in a PDF format by clicking here

Safety Matters "I am SAFE" Key Points: 

1.   Be responsible.  Always tell your parents, guardians, or the trusted adult in charge before you go anywhere or do anything. Be sure to CHECK IN regularly.

2.   Don't be tricked.  Never accept gifts, treats or rides from people you do not know. Never accept anything from anyone without your parents' or guardians' permission.

3.   Stay Safe.  If you are home alone, keep the door locked; do not open the door for or talk to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, you feel comfortable being alone with that person, and the visit has been pre-approved by your parents or guardians; and never telling anyone who calls that you're home by yourself. Have a neighbor or trusted adult you can call if you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused or there's an emergency.

4.   Don't panic if you feel lost. Identify the safest place to find help:  police officer, grocery store clerk, anyone working in a store with an apron or a badge.

5.   Be careful.  Stay away from pools, canals, and other bodies of water unless you are with a trusted adult. Don't play near busy streets or deserted areas, and never take shortcuts.

6.   Be smart.  Don't wear clothes or carry items with your name on the outside, and don't be confused just because a person you don't know calls out your name.

7.   Be smart in the dark. Wear reflectors and protective clothing if your parents or guardians allow you to be outside after dark.

8.   Don't be afraid to say NO and GET AWAY from any situation that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.  It is ok to say NO!

For more information on this program, to order materials or request training, please call us at 479-966-0471 or email us at:  info@kentjacobs.com.