Every day, 2,300 people are reported missing in the United States. When an adult with a cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disability goes missing, they can be especially vulnerable. Intellectually disabled adults may become confused, be unable to recognize danger, or not know how to ask for help. Some may be nonverbal or unable to respond to commands from law enforcement.
What Are Purple Alerts?
Like Amber Alerts for children and Silver Alerts for older adults, Purple Alerts raise public awareness when an adult with a cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disability goes missing. These alerts fill an important gap in state alert systems, helping community members work together to locate a missing individual and report leads to law enforcement.
Purple Alerts may be issued via local highway signs, news and social media, and other state emergency notification systems.
The Gap in Current Alert Systems
In states without a Purple Alert system, the response from law enforcement may be slower or inconsistent. No formal system may be in place to notify the public when an at-risk adult under 60 goes missing — even if they are medically fragile or nonverbal. Conditions that may qualify include autism, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, or severe mental illness.
Purple Alerts Currently in Five States
All 50 states have Amber Alert plans, and 37 states have Silver Alerts. However, only five states currently have Purple Alerts. Florida was the first to enact a statewide Purple Alert system in 2021. Because Purple Alerts are not yet part of a national system, availability and eligibility criteria vary by state.
What families can do: Register your loved one with local law enforcement’s vulnerable person registry if available in your area. Include detailed descriptions, recent photos, and communication preferences in your Letter of Intent — this information can be critical in a missing person situation.