Because Mental Health Matters: Introducing Mayor Brown's Glenn Heights Guardian Program

The rising number of mental health challenges in our communities is impossible to ignore. Every day, individuals - young and old - struggle in silence, often without the support and understanding they need. I started the Glenn Heights Guardian Program because no one should face these battles alone. This program was created to provide awareness, resources, and advocacy for those navigating mental health challenges, ensuring that individuals receive the compassion, support, and protection they deserve. Whether it's helping families, educating first responders, or fostering open conversations, the Glenn Heights Guardian Program is here to make a difference.

The Glenn Heights Police Department implemented the Guardian Program to assist officers during encounters with members of the community who have special needs, including nonverbal people or those affected by autism, Alzheimer's, dementia, or some other form of mental/intellectual disability. When seconds count in an emergency, the Glenn Heights Guardian Program registry allows first responders to access critical information designed to help safely reunite the families of registered participants.

Participation in the Guardian Program is entirely voluntary and free. A Guardian application must be submitted to the Glenn Heights Police Department annually.

Complete the Application here.

• The participant or guardian is a resident of Glenn Heights.
• The participant attends school within the Glenn Heights Police Department's jurisdiction.
• The participant may be unable to communicate basic personal information due to a diagnosed medical disorder.
• The participant is prone to wander away or runaway from guardians, residence, or school due to a diagnosed medical disorder.
• Guardians voluntarily submit a completed application and photo with all required medical information.
• Guardians voluntarily resubmit/update a completed application and photo with all required medical information annually.

Q: What will happen with my information?

A: Juvenile and health information will not be released to the public and will be used solely to provide better service for the registrant and the families involved during times of crisis.

Q: Do I need to update the registration?

A: Yes, you must update your registration each year. A recent photo should be provided annually to help identify your child or dependent adult. In addition, the registry should be updated due to a change in address, phone number, emergency contact, or the purchase of a new vehicle, to name a few.

Q: How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?

A: If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent or guardian, information about physical appearance, the most likely places where they would go, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be available to every police officer in the area who is looking for the missing person. Suppose the individual has not been reported and cannot effectively communicate their name to an officer. In that case, officers may use the individual's physical descriptors to search applicable registry photos, allowing officers to make a more timely identification.

Q: Will I be notified about annual renewals?

A: Although our agency will promote this program throughout the year, the parent or guardian is solely responsible for renewing the registration. It is recommended that you do so during the month of the registrant's birthday.

Q: What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child or dependent adult and the police will be positive once they are registered?

A: There are no guarantees with this registry. What the registry allows is the ability for patrol officers to access necessary information faster to begin searching. Also, suppose an officer encounters a "wandering" child or adult who cannot communicate. In that case, the officer can have the database queried for persons on the registry living in the area. What is important to stress is that simply having a person registered with the registry is not going to change police responses in every instance involving an individual with a mental or intellectual disability. Police will act according to procedure and depending on circumstances.

For more information, contact Interim Police Chief Chris Womack at (972) 223-1690, ext. 236, or chris.womack@glennheightstx.gov.

You must update the Guardian Program registration information and pictures annually. 

If your contact information, address, or vehicle changes during that year, please get in touch with the city immediately to make the changes.

Complete the Application here.