Arizona’s New Turquoise Alert Sparks Hope and Questions in Child Safety Case
When a 6-year-old girl vanished at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Arizona tested a powerful new tool—its first-ever Turquoise Alert. The emergency system, designed to find missing children in urgent cases, led to a safe resolution this week. But its debut also highlighted ongoing debates about custody laws and who gets prioritized in emergencies.
How the Turquoise Alert Made History
Violet Coultas was reported missing July 12 after her mother, Sarah Coultas, allegedly took her from Hawaii despite losing custody. Arizona officials activated the Turquoise Alert on July 23—a move that triggered:
- Statewide law enforcement coordination
- Public updates via highways and media
- Direct tips to the FBI’s Phoenix field office
Within days, a tip led authorities to a Cottonwood women’s shelter. Sarah Coultas was arrested, and Violet is now in protective care.
Source: Pexels Image
Beyond Amber Alerts: A System for More Families
Unlike the Amber Alert—used for confirmed kidnappings—the Turquoise Alert covers cases where custody disputes blur the line. Arizona expanded eligibility after critics noted racial gaps: 74% of Amber Alerts in 2024 involved white children, despite Indigenous youth facing higher disappearance rates nationwide. While Violet’s case isn’t tribal-linked, it tested the reformed criteria.
What’s Next for Missing Child Responses?
This successful resolution may encourage other states to adopt similar systems. But challenges remain: Should custody violations always trigger alerts? How do officials balance parental rights with child safety? As one social worker told KJZZ, “Every second counts—but so does avoiding panic.”
