To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

STATEWIDE -- There is amber alert for when a child is missing, but until recently, there was not an alert system for when an adult with dementia, autism, or other cognitive disorders was missing. One year ago, the Missing Vulnerable Adult Alert system when into effect, and it works much like an Amber Alert.

When an adult disappears, an electronic message is sent out to media, hospitals, the Thruway, the airport, and train and bus stations. It has been in place for one year now, and has been used several times to find people. Those who work to find missing people say that they are just scratching the surface with the technology.

"Specifically if we provided them with information on behaviors of people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and autism. Statistically find locations," explained Cindy Neff, Missing Person's Clearninghouse at DCJS. "The high probability areas of where to look for them, and also general information on interacting with children with autism, people with dementia."

If you would like to subscribe to New York Alert to help officials find missing people, head to www.nyalert.gov.