The Ohio Senate has unanimously passed the Joshua Alert, a new system designed to help find missing children with autism, and the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
The alert was inspired by the death of Joshua Al-Lateef, a West Chester child with autism who wandered from his home and drowned in a nearby pond. His mother, Jonisa Cook, has worked tirelessly to prevent similar tragedies.
“It’s never going to go away. But I’m trying to do things to prevent it from happening from somebody else,” Cook said.
During the Senate vote, the bill received 31 votes in favor and none against.
“It is in memory of him that this bill was proposed called the Joshua Alert for children with autism and other developmental disabilities,” a state official said.
Ohio State Rep. Cecil Thomas, who introduced the bill, described the emotional reaction from Cook and others after the vote.
“The mother and the individuals that came with her just broke out in crying,” Thomas said.
The bill revises the state’s emergency alert system to include notifications for missing children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Kentucky was the first state to implement a similar alert system, named for Ian Sousis, a child with autism who drowned in the Ohio River. Ohio lawmakers, including Thomas, worked closely with Cook to bring the idea to fruition in their state.
The Joshua Alert represents the opposite side of tragedy, aiming to prevent future loss and provide a vital tool for families and communities.
