Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions families, departments and schools ask us most. Tap a question to see the answer.
For Families
Does it cost anything to take part?
No. Families never pay. Our programs are paid for by partner departments, schools and organizations, and by donations.
Who can enroll?
People of any age with special needs, autism, a developmental or cognitive disability, dementia, or anyone who may struggle to communicate or stay safe in an emergency.
Can I register my loved one online myself?
Not at this time. Participants are registered by a partner organization or agency, or by a S.A.V.E.S Project representative. Request enrollment and we will help you get started.
What comes in the Participant Tool Kit?
An ID card, a lanyard tag and weather-resistant QR stickers, plus Blue Envelope Program materials for drivers, including a vehicle window decal. See the full Tool Kit.
What if their information changes?
Update the profile anytime in S.A.V.E.S CONNECT. The app will ask you to confirm it is still accurate about every 4 months, and to send a new photo every year for children and every 2 years for adults. Updates are reviewed by the S.A.V.E.S Project, usually within 24 hours.
We lost the ID card. How do we get a new one?
Download a replacement from the Downloads section of the Programs page, fill it in and laminate it.
Privacy and Safety
What does someone see if they look up a participant?
Only the emergency contacts and the city the participant lives in. The lookup locks for 15 minutes after 3 tries that do not match.
Who can see the full profile?
Trained responders at partner agencies, in the S.A.V.E.S RESPONDER app. Schools and care facilities see a profile only when the family turns sharing on, and families can turn it off at any time.
Do you sell or share our information?
Never. We do not sell, rent or share participant information for advertising, and we do not keep criminal records in the database. Read our privacy page.
Does the S.A.V.E.S Project replace calling 911?
No. In an emergency, always call 911 first. You can always cancel if help is not needed. The S.A.V.E.S Project helps responders once they are on the way.
Blue Envelope Program
What goes in the Blue Envelope?
A copy of the driver’s license, the vehicle registration, proof of insurance and emergency contact information. On the front, check speaking or non-speaking, plus any other boxes that fit.
How do I use it at a traffic stop?
Keep it on the driver’s sun visor, and put the decal in the lower left corner of the back window so officers know before they walk up. If you are pulled over, turn on your hazard lights, stop safely, keep your hands on the wheel and say, show or point: “I have a Blue Envelope.” Tell the officer where it is before you reach for it, then hand over the whole envelope when asked.
For Departments and Schools
How does our department or school join?
Contact us to set up an introduction, sign the partnership agreement, complete S.A.V.E.S Project training, and then your members get app access. Learn about partnering.
What does a partnership cost?
Please contact us for partnership details.
Is there an app?
Yes. S.A.V.E.S CONNECT, RESPONDER, EDUCATOR and FACILITY share one statewide database and are coming to the App Store and Google Play as “Saves Project.” Learn about the app.
Supporting Our Work
Are donations tax-deductible?
The S.A.V.E.S Project is a Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 39-3660134. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
How else can I help?
Volunteer at outreach events, invite us to speak to your group, or share the S.A.V.E.S Project with a family who could use it. Get in touch.
Still Have a Question?
Call 810-328-3074 or send us a message and a member of our team will get back to you.