About Us
My name is Lisa Smith, and I am the CEO of Safeguard Transportation. Our company was born from a deeply personal journey—one that began in 2004 when I was fortunate enough to be adopted by my forever family. After spending four years in the Department of Social Services system, I experienced firsthand the profound impact a dedicated social worker can have on a child’s life. The time, care, and attention my social worker gave me left a lasting impression: it showed me the power of support, stability, and advocacy.
Later in life, I became a first responder—certified Firefighter and Police Officer, with years of experience in corrections and dispatch. Even after navigating my own challenges within the system, I found a true calling in the first responder world. My experiences reinforced the importance of dedicated professionals who show up when it matters most. I recognized that not every child in the system receives the care I did. My siblings, for example, often encountered overworked and understaffed social workers, leading to placements that were less than ideal or cases that lacked proper follow-up.
These experiences, combined with my professional background, shaped the vision for SafeGuard Transportation. I have worked directly with DSS and US Marshals, assisting with juvenile transportation and witnessing how overextended agencies struggle to meet the needs of children in their care. I realized the significant value that a trusted, professional transportation service could provide: by handling the time-consuming task of transporting youth, we allow social workers and agencies to focus on critical casework, safety checks, and the well-being of the children they serve.
SafeGuard Transportation exists to be a reliable, safe, and compassionate resource for agencies tasked with caring for at-risk youth. Whether transporting juveniles to out-of-state treatment centers, correctional facilities, or their forever homes, we ensure that every child is treated with dignity, respect, and empathy. Every journey is staffed by two trained professionals, each with first responder experience—as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, or equivalent roles—equipped to support children during what can be a stressful and life-changing transition.
Our company operates on a foundation of core values that guide everything we do:
Safety First – The physical and emotional safety of every youth, staff member, and partner is the highest priority.
Professional Conduct – Staff members represent the company and its first-responder heritage, demonstrating discipline, respect, and excellence at all times.
Empathy and Understanding – Youth in transport may be scared, angry, overwhelmed, or confused. Staff are expected to approach each situation with patience and compassion.
Dignity and Respect – All individuals, regardless of background or behavior, are treated with fairness, respect, and humanity.
Accountability and Integrity – Clear communication, accurate reporting, and adherence to policy are essential for safe and ethical operations.
Confidentiality – All personal information, case details, and behaviors observed during transport are strictly protected.
At SafeGuard Transportation, we provide stability, trust, and continuity of care, supporting agencies and social workers while ensuring that each child feels safe and valued throughout their journey. Our goal is to lighten the burden for caseworkers, allowing them to focus on the work that matters most—keeping children safe and giving them the support they need to thrive at home.
With every transport, we aim to honor our mission statement:
“To provide safe, reliable, and compassionate transportation for at-risk youth, ensuring every journey supports their well-being, dignity, and continuity of care. We are committed to professionalism, empathy, and trust as we connect young people with the resources and support systems, they need to thrive.”
SafeGuard is a trusted, first-responder owned and operated partner that you can rely on, every step of the way.
