The Politics of Autism discusses the problem of wandering, which has been the topic of legislation before Congress.
Congress is set to unveil a funding plan for FY 2018, and we hear that inclusion of Kevin and Avonte’s Law in the final appropriations bill is on the table. We need your help to garner support for this option to protect families.
First introduced in 2016, and again late last year, Kevin and Avonte’s Law would provide U.S. Department of Justice grants to law enforcement, nonprofits, and other community organizations to facilitate the development of training resources to better respond to wandering incidents. The bill reauthorizes the expired Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, and broadens it to support to people with autism and other developmental disabilities. With 42 percent of wandering cases involving children nine years or younger resulting in fatal outcomes, it is critical Kevin and Avonte’s Law gets the attention it deserves as soon as possible.
Please call (202) 224-3121 TODAY and urge your Senators and Representatives to support the inclusion of Kevin and Avonte’s Law in the omnibus package. Now is the time for everyone to encourage Congress to take this necessary step in order to prevent more tragedies and to keep families safe.
