Governor Signs New

"Joshua Alert" Law 

Many families of children with autism and other disabilities live with the fear that their children could slip out of their homes unnoticed and get hurt or disappear. 



To prevent tragedies like this from happening, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in June signed  the House Bill 359, the "Joshua Alert" into law.

It is named after a 6-year-old boy with autism who wandered away from his home and drowned in 2024. The law clarifies the use of the statewide emergency alert system in cases when children with autism or other developmental disabilities go missing.  



The new system bridges a gap in current protocols, allowing police to immediately issue a targeted broadcast and digital alert rather than waiting for traditional missing-person requirements. Law enforcement would have the authority to immediately issue an alert once officers verify that a child is missing. The intent is to speed the distribution of potentially life-saving information. 

The law officially takes effect on September 16. 

LCCS Wants to Hear From You at Our July Community Meeting

Lucas County Children Services invites you to join us for the July Community Meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5–7pm at the West Toledo Library. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with LCCS staff, community partners, and local resources dedicated to keeping children and families safe. This conversation will highlight neighborhood supports, crisis‑response guidance, prevention and diversion services, and insight into when to call the 419‑213‑CARE hotline. All Lucas County residents are encouraged to attend and learn how to access help, strengthen families, and build a safer community together. 
>> DOWNLOAD FLIER

LCCS Trains Court Advocates 



Even under the best of circumstances, teens often have difficulties communicating with the adults in their lives. Even when adults are doing their best to act in a teen's best interests, it's not uncommon for young people to do everything possible to keep adults at arm's length. 

These communication missteps could impact on the relationship between a youth in the foster care system and their Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA, who is assigned by a judge or magistrate to look out for the youth's best interests. It's important that the teens and their CASAs keep the lines of communication open. 

Lucas County Children Services recognized the impasses between CASAs and the youth on their caseloads and came up with a way to address the problem. Teens aged 14 and older have caseworkers and supervisors specially trained to meet their needs, and who are now training CASAs to help them understand the world of these soon-to-be adults. "Sometimes, what teens say contradicts what they really want or need. They might say, 'go away,' but really need someone to help them work through a problem," says Amy Cox, the Independent Living supervisor who led the CASA training. "Don't be surprised if teens curse or do things for shock value. It's their way of testing you. Keep a neutral face," she adds. 



Other tips that Amy will be teaching include ensuring that the youth are heard when important decisions are being made, and to be genuine in your interactions. "Kids know when you aren't being straight with them. What you think might look 'cool' will probably come off looking phony to them." 

It's through solutions like this that LCCS can work more closely with the Court to help teens have the best possible outcomes as they approach adulthood and emancipate from care.

Join us at the Parade! 



The 21st annual African American Festival Parade takes place on Saturday, July 18, and as always, Lucas County Children Services will be representing! Look for our staff and their families as they walk the two-mile parade route, distributing candy and toys. The parade steps off at 10 am sharp from the intersection of Dorr St. and Detroit Ave. 

The parade is a major highlight of the broader African American Festival week, which runs from July 13 through July 18. Organized by the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, the multi-day event celebrates community impact, history, health, and education.  

Talk to a 
Foster Care/Adoption Recruiter!

Saturday, July 11, 2026

11AM–4PM

Padua Summer Party 2026

1416 Nebraska Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43607

Sunday, July 26, 2026

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

New Life House of Faith Church

3274 Upton Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Saturday, August 1, 2026

9AM – 3PM

United Vision Baptist Church Community Day

3235 Otto St, Toledo, OH 43608

Saturday, August 1, 2026

10AM – 1PM

Free Community Baby Shower

815 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605

Saturday, August 8, 2026

10AM – 4PM

2nd Annual Rise & Thrive Back to School Health Fair

200 E Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43620

Tuesday - Thursday
August 11-13, 2026

9AM – 4PM

Clever Bee Academy Health Fair

545 Woodville Rd, Toledo, OH 43605

Saturday, September 12, 2026

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

3rd Annual Mercy Health Fair

4126 N Holland Sylvania Rd, Toledo, Ohio 43623

Navigating the child welfare system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Do you need help finding the right person or department to answer your child welfare questions? LCCS now offers a Family Help Center. Our helpful Child Welfare Navigators can listen to your concerns, review your case, and determine if any recommendations should be made, as a result.