What is C.L.E.A.R.?

CLEAR is a collaborative of individuals and organizations in Santa Clarita, California that focuses attention on the needs of those with "invisible disabilities" who may be misinterpreted or at risk in emergency situations. The goals of CLEAR are to reduce criminal involvement of people with disabilities and promote safe interactions with law enforcement officials. CLEAR creates proactive solutions and innovative educational programs to address these issues.

Current CLEAR Projects include:
1. The Special Needs Registry
2. EMFINDERS
3. Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department trainings on disability and special populations

Contact

For more information, to support CLEAR, or to join as a CLEAR partner, call Emily Iland at (661) 297-4205 or eiinc@socal.rr.com

Mission 
The mission of the C.L.E.A.R. safety program is to reduce criminal involvement of youth with disabilities through a network of educational programs that promotes awareness and skills. Under the direction of the Santa Clarita Autism Asperger Network, the C.L.E.A.R. safety program provides safety tools, educational materials, and training opportunities for individuals with disabilities, their families, teachers and administrators, law enforcement and first responders, and members of the judicial system.

Goals
The 6 Goals of the C.L.E.A.R. Program are:

1. Educate Individuals with Disabilities
Understand safe and risky behaviors: What will get you in trouble or keep you out of trouble.
Develop conflict resolution skills.
Understand legal rights.
Interact with law enforcement and authorities safely and cooperatively.

2. Educate Teachers and Parents
Identify risky and dangerous behaviors.
Teach safe responses and behaviors.
Understand legal issues and rights.
Understand procedures and know what to expect and do if a young adult is involved in the justice system.

3. Inform School Administrators
Understand the law and rights of the child and the parent.
Understand the role of the school to resolve and de-escalate conflicts.
Address students’ dangerous behaviors.
Understand how students with disabilities may be at risk/victimized.
Establish and recognize special school ID designations for CLEAR participants.

4. Inform law enforcement officials and first responders
Increase understanding, awareness, skills, and strategies to respond to special populations, particularly those with "invisible" disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, OCD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, etc.
Recognize and identify special needs populations at risk in the community, including possible use of Registries, computer tags, and I.D.s.
Increase informal, positive interactions with people with disabilities.

5. Inform members of the Judicial System parole, probation and court
Increase awareness and understanding to respond to special needs populations in the justice system.
Examine legal issues such as criminal liability, Miranda rights, etc., as they relate to people with special needs.

6. Memoranda of Understanding
Review existing local policies or procedures that address discipline and crime; design or agree upon Memoranda of Understanding for optimal interactions and outcomes.