Gill Effort Expands Awareness of Lifesaving Silver Alerts with Developmental Disability Community

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure being led by state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, would expand the ability for the Illinois State Police (ISP) and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to develop awareness of their Endangered Missing Person Advisory system by better connecting with individuals with developmental disabilities and relevant organizations that serve them.

“Our Endangered Missing Person Advisory system, sometimes known as a Silver Alert, is a critical tool to help find vulnerable individuals who are lost and need proper care,” Gill said. “This measure will help expand lifesaving awareness of this critical program.”

Currently, ISP and IDHS manage a community outreach program to promote awareness of Silver Alerts in developmental disability facilities. Senate Bill 1548 would further enable them to use resources to conduct outreach to individuals with developmental disabilities, communities of people with developmental disabilities and organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities.

Silver Alerts are a public notification system used by law enforcement to locate missing individuals that may be at risk of harm or injury.

“When someone becomes lost, hours and minutes matter,” Gill said. “Ensuring more people and more families know where to turn can help deliver better outcomes and prevent unnecessary tragedies.”

Following bipartisan passage in the Illinois Senate, Gill is stewarding Senate Bill 1548 in the House. It is scheduled to be heard in the House Restorative Justice and Public Safety Committee.

For more information, please contact RepMaryGill@gmail.com.