The Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. Foundation
The Joshua Alert Initiative
The Heart Behind the Mission
Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. was full of light, curiosity, and joy. Like many children on the autism spectrum, he was risk for wandering - a behavior that can quickly become life-threathing. When Joshua went missing, the systems in place were not designed for children like him.
The Joshua Alert Initiative was created so no other family has to face that gap
Why a Joshua Alert Is Needed
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Nearly 50% of autistic individuals wander at some point.
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Increased risk of drowning.
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Ohio has -38,000 autistic children.
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No dedicated rapid alert system currently exists.
What the Joshua Alert Would Do
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Activate quickly when an autistic child is reported missing.
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Alert law enforcement and surrounding communities.
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Broadcast through media, digital signage, and emergency networks.
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Increase immediate search response time.
Legislative Progress
Phase One: House of Representatives
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June 12, 2025
Bill Introduced - a legislative proposal to create the Joshua Alert system was formally introduced in the Ohio House of Representives.​
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June 18, 2025
Referred to Committee - assigned to the Children and Human Services Committee for review.
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October 14, 2025
1st Hearing - primary sponsors presented the bill and explained the need fo a public safety alert for vulnerable children.
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October 21, 2025
2nd Hearing - community advocates and organizations testified in support including Joshua Al-Lateef Foundation, Parents United for Public Schools, Children's Defense Fund- Ohio, Austism and We
October 29, 2025
Reported - the committee approved the bill with amendments
November 12, 2025
Passed the House - the bill passed the Ohio House of Representatives
Legislative Progress
Phase Two: Senate Review
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November 18, 2025
Introduced in the Senate​
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November 19, 2025
Referred to Armed Services, Veterans Affairs & Public Safety Committee
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February 18, 2026
1st Senate Hearing
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March 4, 2026
2nd Senate Hearing
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Whats Next
The Joshua Alert continues it legislative journey as advocates work toward final passage and implementation.
