Berwick, Pa. — In his Berwick district office today, state Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) spoke about his plans to introduce legislation — dubbed as Aiden’s Law — to establish a “Purple Alert” system in Pennsylvania to ensure the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens who go missing are brought home safely.
Similar to Amber Alert for abducted children, Silver Alert for missing older adults and Green Alert for missing at-risk veterans, the Purple Alert system would rapidly notify the public and law enforcement when an individual with certain cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities goes missing. Florida, Maryland, Kansas, Mississippi, Connecticut and West Virginia already use the program.
Recently, 6-year-old Aiden Ha, a nonverbal autistic child who went missing on Saturday, Oct. 4, was tragically found dead in a river just one day later. Despite a thorough, multi-agency effort to find him, Leadbeter believes a Purple Alert system could have immediately distributed his photo, description and last known location statewide – potentially saving a life.
“Those with disabilities are especially vulnerable when they go missing,” Leadbeter said. “We must do all we can to help them, and every minute is critical. By using the Purple Alert system, we can give law enforcement more tools to save lives and give families more peace of mind.”
Following Aiden's disappearance, Bloomsburg resident Candace Hinchcliffe posted on Facebook, asking others to join her in contacting Leadbeter about enacting a "Purple Alert" system in Pennsylvania.
Included in the post was her email to Leadbeter, which garnered over 500 shares in less than 24 hours.
Once introduced, Leadbeter's bill will be assigned to a House committee for consideration.