Click here to read WINK News’ story about how the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s new initiative, launched in partnership with Family Initiative, aims to improve emergency response for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The collaboration connects deputies with licensed clinical professionals and specially trained Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs teams to help de-escalate situations, provide comfort, and support individuals during emergencies. By combining clinical expertise, compassionate response tools, and community partnership, this initiative helps create safer, more supportive outcomes for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families across Lee County.
