FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inland Regional Center Announces Support for the Chino Police Department Blue Envelope and Guardian Programs

Inland Regional Center is pleased to announce its support for the Chino Police Department’s Blue Envelope and Guardian Programs, two key initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and communication between law enforcement and individuals with special needs.

Blue Envelope Program
The Blue Envelope Program is designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or other conditions that may impact communication. Participants in the program receive a distinct blue envelope to store vital personal and vehicle information. This envelope allows individuals to quickly convey essential details to law enforcement or emergency personnel during encounters.

The program also enables individuals to display the Blue Envelope logo or present the envelope itself when interacting with law enforcement or community service personnel. Items branded with the Blue Envelope logo—such as brochures, lanyards, key chains, bracelets, and stickers—serve as visual indicators that help officers recognize that the individual may have a disability, fostering better understanding and communication.

Inland Regional Center understands the vital importance of programs like these in ensuring that individuals with disabilities are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve during interactions with law enforcement. By backing these initiatives, Inland Regional Center seeks to close communication gaps, increase awareness, and foster more inclusive interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities.

Guardian Program
The Guardian Program is a voluntary online database initiative that provides the Chino Police Department with immediate access to crucial information about registered individuals with special needs. This information includes emergency contact details, physical descriptions, a current picture, known routines, and specific needs, which can be vital during emergencies. The program is designed to help officers effectively communicate with, locate, and provide necessary support to individuals with disabilities, including autism, dementia, schizophrenia, and other developmental or mental health challenges.

Inland Regional Center’s support for the Guardian Program reflects its commitment to the well-being of individuals with disabilities in the community. The Guardian Program enables the Chino Police Department to respond in an informed manner, thereby enhancing the safety and security of vulnerable individuals during critical situations.

Supporting Inclusivity and Safety
“We are committed to supporting programs that create a safer and more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities,” said Lavinia Johnson, Executive Director of Inland Regional Center. “The Blue Envelope and Guardian Programs are essential resources that will ensure our clients and community members receive the understanding and respect they deserve during interactions with law enforcement.”

IRC encourages all eligible individuals and their guardians in the Chino area to participate in these programs to benefit from the enhanced communication and safety measures they provide.

With the support of Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funding from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Inland Regional Center will partner with Bridging Voices and the Chino Police Department to translate program materials into American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin/Chinese, Cantonese, Tagalog, and Spanish. This effort ensures that individuals in the Chino area have equal access to the programs, enhancing the safety of their loved ones.

For more information about the Blue Envelope or Guardian Programs, please get in touch with the Chino Police Department at 909-334-3217 or email [email protected].

Partnership

Inland Regional Center has partnered with the Autism Society Inland Empire to ensure that programs like the Blue Envelope and Guardian Program are culturally and linguistically competent, and to ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard and respected.

About Inland Regional Center
Inland Regional Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and supporting over 53,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. With a team of more than 1,300 dedicated staff members, IRC focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives through a comprehensive array of programs, services, and advocacy initiatives.

Contact Information:
CJ Cook
Inland Regional Center
909-890-3000

Posted by:

Dr. CJ Cook, DBA

As Program Administrator, CJ is responsible for the proactive oversight of various units within IRC, including Community Management, Service Access and Equity, and Training and Development. CJ's oversight extends to Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), equity in the Purchase of Service (POS), and the National Core Indicator (NCI) project. Furthermore, CJ is tasked with managing the IRC's Performance Contract with DDS and overseeing Emergency Services.