Ohio implements 'Joshua Alert'

COLUMBUS — A new statewide alert to help law enforcement quickly locate missing children with autism and other developmental disabilities is now in effect in Ohio. House Bill 359, known as the "Joshua Alert," took effect on Sept. 17 after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed it into law on June 18. The legislation was sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester and Cecil Thomas, D-Cincinnati. The law is named in memory of 6-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef Jr., a West Chester boy with autism who went missing from his home on Nov. 20, 2024. His body was recovered days later from a pond near the apartment complex where he lived, according to an article from FOX19. FOX19 reported that Joshua's family helped push for the creation of this alert after an AMBER Alert — a similar notification regarding missing children — was not issued until five hours after he disappeared. "This legislation ensures that when a child with autism or a developmental disability goes missing, every second counts," according to a news release from the office of sponsor state Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester. "By mobilizing law enforcement, first responders, and our communities faster, we can save lives and spare other families the heartbreak Joshua's family endured." Once a child with a diagnosed developmental disability is verified as missing, law enforcement can issue an alert via broadcast, digital and community channels. The alert can be issued if it's believed the child faces immediate danger.