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School Safety Net: Special Needs Program Aids Families
7 Apr
Summary
- New HCPSS program provides protective equipment for children with special needs.
- The Safety Net Supply Closet was inspired by a tragic drowning incident.
- The initiative is funded by a $6,600 grant from the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund.
A new initiative by the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is enhancing child safety through its Safety Net Supply Closet. This program offers essential protective gear to families with children who have special needs. The concept arose following a tragic drowning incident in 2024 involving a child with autism, prompting HCPSS to seek preventative measures.
The supply closet is stocked with items such as security door hinges, safety ID bracelets, and GPS trackers. These resources aim to mitigate the risks associated with wandering, a common occurrence for over half of children with autism. The program also focuses on educating parents about this issue, which often goes unaddressed at the time of diagnosis.
This vital program is supported by the Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund (JPMF), which provided a $6,600 grant to establish the initiative. To date, 127 families have benefited from the supplies. HCPSS encourages interested families to contact their case managers or the Family Resource Center for assistance. The program seeks additional funding to expand its reach.
