Kentucky has launched a new emergency notification system called the Ian Alert, created specifically to help locate missing children under 18 who have autism, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities. The alert system is named in memory of Ian Sousis, a 9-year-old boy with autism who tragically drowned in the Ohio River after fleeing a children’s home in June 2022.
What Is the Ian Alert?
The Ian Alert is tailored to situations involving missing children with diagnosed mental or developmental conditions who are believed to be in danger. Unlike the Amber Alert, which requires certain criteria to be met—such as abduction—the Ian Alert fills a critical gap by addressing cases that often fall outside the scope of traditional alerts.
The system was made official after a bill passed in the Kentucky legislature and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear in July 2025.
A Grandmother’s Advocacy
Ian’s grandmother, Rhonda O’Brien, spent two years pushing for a specialized alert system after her grandson’s death. Her advocacy was driven by the alarming trend of children with autism being drawn to water—drowning remains the leading cause of death among children on the spectrum.
The Amber Alert system did not apply in Ian’s case, which sparked O’Brien’s determination to create a more inclusive and responsive safety net.
How the Ian Alert Works
The Ian Alert utilizes the same infrastructure as Amber Alerts, allowing law enforcement to issue mass notifications through smartphones, traffic signs, media outlets, and other public communication platforms.
“It fills a critical gap in emergency response,” said Steve Hensley, Kenton County Emergency Management Director.
Lt. Phillip Ridgell of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department added that the system allows authorities to act more swiftly and broadly than before.
Recent Tragedy Underscores the Urgency
The importance of the Ian Alert was highlighted on July 16, when it was activated for five-year-old Silas Chearer, a child with autism who had gone missing from his home in Cub Run, Hart County. Sadly, Silas was later found dead.
A Kentucky State Police spokesperson said the system was created to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes. “We grieve with Silas’ family and the community,” they added.
Another Alert System: The Ashanti Alert
Kentucky has also introduced the Ashanti Alert, designed for adults 18 and older who go missing under suspicious or involuntary circumstances. The alert is named after Billie Ashanti, a 19-year-old Virginia woman who was abducted and murdered in 2017. At the time, she was too old to qualify for an Amber Alert.
FAQs
Q: What is the Ian Alert?
A specialized emergency alert in Kentucky for missing children under 18 with autism, mental illness, or intellectual disabilities.
Q: Why is it called the Ian Alert?
It honors Ian Sousis, a 9-year-old with autism who drowned in 2022 after fleeing a children’s facility.
Q: How is it different from an Amber Alert?
Amber Alerts require evidence of abduction. Ian Alerts apply to vulnerable children who may be at risk, even without signs of abduction.
Q: Is the Ian Alert active throughout Kentucky?
Yes, the alert is fully operational statewide as of July 2025.
