For families and caregivers of individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other developmental disabilities, wandering can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Kevin and Avonte Program addresses this risk by helping communities prevent wandering incidents, locate missing individuals more quickly and improve the likelihood of a safe recovery.
Named for Kevin Curtis Wills and Avonte Oquendo, two children with autism who tragically drowned after wandering from safe environments, the program recognizes that wandering is not solely a family or caregiver concern. It is also a public safety and community preparedness challenge requiring coordination among first responders, health and human services organizations, educators and community partners.
For FY 2026, eligible applicants may request awards of up to $150,000 for a 36-month project period, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement. The anticipated project start date is October 1, 2026. Applicants must complete the first stage of submission through Grants.gov by October 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, followed by the JustGrants deadline of October 12, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.
One of the most distinctive features of the Kevin and Avonte Program is the diversity of organizations eligible to apply. Eligibility extends well beyond traditional law enforcement agencies. State, county, municipal, special district and federally recognized Tribal governments may apply, as can independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations and qualifying health care organizations. Potential applicants can therefore range from a sheriff’s office or city government to a school district, university, behavioral health provider, health department or community nonprofit serving people with dementia or developmental disabilities.
That broad eligibility reflects the reality that successful wandering prevention and response requires multiple disciplines. Although a single eligible organization may lead the application, projects built around comprehensive partnerships are likely to present a stronger case for funding than stand-alone equipment purchases. A competitive initiative might bring together law enforcement, fire/rescue, EMS, 911 emergency communications centers, search-and-rescue teams, schools, hospitals, aging services, autism and developmental-disability organizations, caregivers and families.
Technology can play a significant role, but it should be part of a larger operational strategy. Common approaches include radio-frequency tracking programs such as Project Lifesaver, GPS or assisted-GPS wearables, geofencing and caregiver notification systems. Communities can also establish voluntary at-risk resident registries containing photographs, emergency contacts, communication needs, known destinations and other information that can help responders act immediately when someone is reported missing. Integrating those registries with 911/ECC procedures can further reduce delays between notification and deployment of appropriate resources.
Other complementary strategies can include home wandering-prevention technology such as door and motion sensors, caregiver alerts and safety kits; voluntary residential and business camera registries; specialized training for responders interacting with individuals with autism, dementia or developmental disabilities; and integration of existing search-and-rescue resources such as K-9 teams, boats and thermal-imaging drones. Applicants considering drone purchases should verify the FY 2026 NOFO carefully, however, because previous program guidance has restricted the use of these funds for UAS acquisition.
Ultimately, the strongest projects can connect these components into one coordinated continuum: prevention, enrollment, technology, training, rapid response, safe recovery and measurable outcomes. Rather than simply purchasing tracking devices, applicants have an opportunity to build sustainable community systems that identify people at risk, prepare caregivers, equip and train responders, coordinate agencies and measure whether those investments are reducing response times and improving safe recoveries.
Securing grant funding can feel like a full-time job. That’s why Lexipol’s GrantFinder Team offers tools and support to make the process easier, from identifying opportunities to strengthening your application. Whether your organization is seeking funding for equipment, training, staffing, technology or a comprehensive community initiative, Lexipol can help navigate the complexities of the grant process and strengthen your chances of success.
FY 2026 Funding Snapshot
| Federal Agency | U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance |
| Maximum Award | Up to $150,000 |
| Project Period | 36 months |
| Anticipated Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Grants.gov Deadline | October 5, 2026 |
| JustGrants Deadline | October 12, 2026 |
| Match Requirement | No cost sharing/match required |
| Primary Population | Individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, developmental disabilities, and related conditions who are at risk of wandering |
Resources:
Grant Guidelines: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2026-172697.pdf
Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2017: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2070
Project Lifesaver: https://projectlifesaver.org/about-us/
Article: How Technology Revolutionizes Missing Person Cases
https://vidizmo.ai/blog/how-technology-helps-in-solving-missing-person-cases
Connect with the Lexipol GrantFinder Team today to explore how the Kevin and Avonte Program could support your community’s wandering prevention and rapid recovery strategy.
