Arizona Lawmakers Eye Silver Alert Expansion Amid Calls to Protect Missing Teens

PHOENIX — Silver Alerts are often associated with missing elderly individuals. However, pending legislation in Arizona could redefine this, potentially expanding alerts to include people of any age with cognitive disabilities. Current laws allow Silver Alerts for those under 65, but advocates, including parents of at-risk youth, are pushing for broader criteria.

Alisa Zoccoli, a mother of six boys, recounts her own trials with her adopted son, James. Diagnosed with cognitive disabilities and struggling with substance use, James often wandered from home. “I would call the police departments, and they would tell me they couldn’t help because he was just considered a runaway,” Zoccoli recalled, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by families in similar situations.

A tragic incident unfolded in June 2024 when James left his group home and was later found unconscious in Phoenix. He died a week after going missing. Despite authorities issuing a Missing Persons Bulletin shortly after his disappearance, a Silver Alert was only activated days later—an outcome Zoccoli believes might have changed the course of events. “That Silver Alert could have saved my child,” she lamented.

In response to these challenges, Zoccoli and other advocates are urging the adoption of House Bill 2894. This bill aims to include individuals with cognitive disabilities in Silver Alert parameters while ensuring immediate notifications to law enforcement. “We need something that supports parents and safeguards our children who can’t advocate for themselves,” emphasized Arizona House Representative Khyl Powell, the bill’s sponsor.

The bill currently enjoys favorable discussions among lawmakers, although concerns remain about definitions and whether amendments might be more appropriate for AMBER Alerts, which cater to abduction scenarios. House Representative Selina Bliss noted the need for input from law enforcement during legislative hearings.

In the meantime, Zoccoli is determined to raise awareness about the issue. “Our community needs to know that these are not acceptable losses,” she stated, underlining the need for a robust support system for vulnerable youth. Following James’s passing, local police have taken steps to increase awareness of missing individuals through social media initiatives and dedicated pages.

The push for legislative change aligns with a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by families of children with cognitive disabilities. As discussions continue, the hope is that no family will have to endure the heartache that Zoccoli experienced.