We are three mother's to three autistic children. All who can easily elope within in a blink of an eye. 

 

Today, Draven Graham from Kawartha Lakes was found in the lake, dead. An eleven year old non verbal autistic child. He was not found until over 24 hours later.  

 

When the three of us heard that he was missing, we immediately dropped everything to go help search for his precious life from across Durham Region. We have no connection to this family other than understanding the fear Draven's parents carried with them. This is every parents worst nightmare but most especially if your child is at high risk elopement with a disability. 

 

No one received an Alert immediately, why? 

 

Chances are much higher that Draven's life could have been saved if an Alert was sent out immediately. 

 

A study showed that 46 per cent of unintentional injury deaths for children with autism - occurred by drowning,and when compared with typically developing peers, researchers found that children with autism drown 160 times more frequently – an astounding statistic. * article in Globe and Mail

 

US STUDY: In 2009, 2010, and 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with an ASD ages 14 and younger subsequent to wandering/elopement.

 

We are calling for action. 

 

We are calling on the Ontario Government and the Ontario Provincial Police to take immediate action on reviewing their policies and procedures on Alerts. 

 

Please sign this petition if you support it's statement.