What Is a Purple Alert? Missouri Joins Kansas in Protecting Missing Adults with Developmental Disabilities

For families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), safety and independence often go hand in hand. Now, Missouri is taking an important step to help communities respond when an adult with a developmental disability goes missing and may be in danger.

In 2026, Missouri established a statewide Purple Alert System through RJ’s Law. The law went into effect August 28, 2026, and directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety and other agencies to develop the state’s Purple Alert system and training program before July 1, 2027.

For The Mission Project and other organizations serving adults with IDD throughout the Kansas City area, this is particularly meaningful. Kansas established its Purple Alert Plan in 2024, meaning both sides of the state line are now taking steps to provide additional safeguards for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be at risk when missing.

What Is a Purple Alert?

A Purple Alert is designed to help law enforcement and communities quickly locate certain missing adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who may not be able to return to safety without assistance.

Missouri’s new law creates a coordinated response for missing people with developmental disabilities when there is credible evidence they may be in immediate danger or at risk of serious bodily harm and unable to return to safety without help.

The law also calls for specialized training to help law enforcement better understand developmental disabilities, respond to individuals in crisis and recognize the risks associated with elopement.

At The Mission Project, we are glad to see Missouri take this important step toward creating a safer and more informed response for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Kansas Has Had a Purple Alert Plan Since 2024

Just across the state line, Kansas established its Purple Alert Plan in 2024.

Kansas’s plan can be activated when a missing adult has an intellectual disability, is believed to be in imminent danger of serious injury or death because of their disability and may be unable to return to safety without assistance.

There’s also an important part of the Kansas protocol that aligns closely with The Mission Project’s philosophy: independence and safety can coexist.

Kansas guidance recognizes an adult’s right to self-determination and cautions against using a Purple Alert simply to locate an adult who has voluntarily chosen to go somewhere. The goal is to protect individuals who are genuinely at risk while respecting their rights as adults.

What Should You Do if an Adult With IDD Goes Missing?

If an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability goes missing and you are concerned about their safety, contact law enforcement immediately. You do not need to wait 24 hours.

Both Missouri and Kansas advise contacting local law enforcement promptly to report a missing person.

When making a report, it can be helpful to have:

• A recent photo and physical description
• A description of what the person was wearing
• Where and when they were last seen
• Places they frequently visit or may try to reach
• Information about their disability that could affect communication or safety
• Important behaviors, routines or sensory needs
• Vehicle, phone or other relevant information

Families do not determine whether a Purple Alert is issued. Provide law enforcement with as much relevant information as possible, and they will determine the appropriate response based on the circumstances and applicable alert criteria.

How Families Can Prepare Before an Emergency

No family wants to imagine needing to report a loved one missing, but having important information readily available can save valuable time.

Consider keeping an updated photo and basic identifying information somewhere easy to access. Families may also want to maintain information about communication preferences, sensory needs, important medical considerations, common destinations and approaches that may help first responders safely interact with the individual.

For adults living more independently, include them in these conversations whenever possible. Safety planning can support independence rather than take away from it.

What Should You Do if You See a Purple Alert?

Purple Alerts work best when the community pays attention.

If you see one, review the person’s photo, description, last known location and any vehicle information provided. If you believe you’ve seen the missing individual or have information that could help, follow the instructions provided in the alert and contact law enforcement.

Avoid putting yourself or the missing person in an unsafe situation. Even a credible sighting or location can be valuable to those coordinating the search.

Supporting Independence While Building a Safer Community

At The Mission Project, our mission centers on helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently, build meaningful relationships and participate fully in their communities.

Independence doesn’t mean navigating every situation without support. It means having the freedom to build a full life while knowing the right resources and systems are there when they’re truly needed.

We congratulate Missouri on the passage of RJ’s Law and look forward to seeing the state’s Purple Alert program take shape. With Kansas and Missouri both recognizing the unique considerations that can arise when an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability goes missing, our entire Kansas City community can become better informed, better prepared and safer.

For additional information, families can visit the Kansas Attorney General’s Purple Alert resources or the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s missing-person resources.