Ohio House Passes Priority Adoption Modernization Act

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives this week passed the Adoption Modernization Act, priority legislation for the 135th General Assembly, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth). 

“The Adoption Modernization Act is priority legislation that modernizes Ohio’s adoption process and prioritizes the best interest of the child,” said Ray. “I am thrilled it passed the House unanimously.”

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. 

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 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.