Ohio Governor Signs Adoption Modernization Act

COLUMBUS—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed House Bill 5, the Adoption Modernization Act, announced bill sponsor, Assistant Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth). House Bill 5 was priority legislation for the 135th General Assembly.

“I am grateful to see this bill cross the finish line and to have had the opportunity to sponsor legislation that will ensure all Ohio children are raised in a loving home,” said Ray. 

Key provisions of the bill are as follows:

• Increases financial support for expecting mothers who plan to place their child up for adoption, supporting the health and wellbeing of the mother and child.
• Expedites kinship care by allowing time spent in the home of a family member to be counted towards the six month waiting period before adoption. This language mirrors current Ohio law for foster to adopt scenarios.
• Clarifies the Ohio Revised Code to help streamline the adoption process.
• Includes additional safeguards and protections to ensure the safety of adopted children. 

According to data published by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, there are currently almost 15,000 Ohio children living outside of the care of their parents. About 3,000 of them are awaiting adoption. 

The Adoption Modernization Act will take effect in 90 days.