Bill Overview
Title: Kevin and Avonte's Law Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes the Missing Americans Alert Program through FY2027. The program provides grants for locally based, proactive programs to prevent wandering and locate missing individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities.
Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People with dementia or developmental disabilities prone to wandering
Estimated Size: 13000000
- The bill focuses on a specific group of individuals who are prone to wandering, namely those with dementia or developmental disabilities.
- Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 55 million people are living with dementia.
- In addition to those with dementia, many individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism, are prone to wandering. It's estimated that 1-2% of the global population is on the autism spectrum.
- When considering other developmental disabilities apart from autism that can lead to wandering, the number of affected individuals increases further.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy includes individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities prone to wandering. In the U.S., this program could potentially affect around 13 million people, including both adults and children.
- Considering the limited budget ($12M in year 1 and $120M over 10 years), not every person in the target group can be directly served by the program. Estimations need to focus on those who are currently at the highest risk and those who have no support systems in place for locating missing individuals.
- Realistic simulations should include a mix of individuals directly affected and those less impacted, reflecting different age groups, levels of disability, and geographic locations.
- Wellbeing changes will primarily occur in the sense of security and relief for families and individuals, knowing there is a structured system and resources dedicated to preventing and resolving incidents of wandering.
Simulated Interviews
Retired teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about getting lost since I live in a busy city. It's comforting to know there might be systematic support if this happens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Stay-at-home parent (Dallas, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fear of my child wandering off is always present. This program could provide much-needed resources and relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Software engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having measures to locate my brother quickly would ease a lot of anxiety for my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Freelance artist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I prefer independent living and it helps to know there are resources that can help if I accidentally wander off.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Caregiver (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support for wandering issues could make my caregiving easier. I'd feel more supported as a caregiver.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 8 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My parents say this program would help them keep track of me if I wander off.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I value my independence, but knowing there's a safety net in place is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Social worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative would provide tools to enhance safety and reduce anxiety for the families I work with.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Farmer (Rural Montana)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We often feel isolated. Any program that can help us in emergencies would be a blessing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired police officer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Community awareness and safety is key, and this policy supports both.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 5: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 10: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 100: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- The rising population size of individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities could increase the need and potential cost.
- Inflation and administrative expenses should be continually reevaluated to ensure program efficiency and reach.
- Social welfare impacts could contribute positively by reducing stress on emergency services and potentially averting higher healthcare costs.