Ohio House Speaker Householder & Minority Leader Sykes Announce House Passage of Foster Caregiver Training Legislation

COLUMBUS— Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) and House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the Ohio House passage of House Bill 8, Foster Caregiver Training legislation. This legislation, sponsored by State Representatives Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield) and Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) revises the requirements for foster caregiver training in Ohio so that these potential foster parents can be trained, licensed, and approved in a more effective manner.

House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) said House Bill 8 is an important part of the House’s efforts to help foster children.

“Our foster care system is experiencing an unprecedented strain as a result of the drug addiction crisis,” said Speaker Householder. “We’ve done a lot to help those suffering from addiction. It’s important that we help those impacted by this addiction crisis, especially children.”

House Bill 8 is one of the bipartisan priority bills for the 133rd General Assembly, legislation that builds pillars for a stronger Ohio.

“We made a promise to families—that they come first, and HB 8 keeps that promise by giving more Ohio children a shot at a better life and a brighter future,” said Leader Sykes. “It’s important that we continue working together to move our state forward and restore Ohio’s promise so that every child can live out their American dream right here at home, in Ohio.”

“I am thrilled to see House Bill 8 pass out of the House with overwhelming support,” Rep. Manchester shared. “As a result of the opioid epidemic, our foster care needs have increased by 25 percent in recent years. This bill will ensure more qualified parents are equipped to lend helping hands to our kids in the foster care system. Addressing the shortage of foster caregivers in Ohio is long overdue and I am deeply humbled to sponsor this legislation with Representative Galonski.”

“This legislation will cut back the red tape so that those who are on the frontlines of Ohio’s foster care crisis can act swiftly and effectively,” said Rep. Galonski. “It is our job as legislators to protect our most vulnerable population: our children. HB 8 alleviates a heavy burden on Ohio’s foster care system while also prioritizing the well-being of our children. I am proud to spearhead this bipartisan effort and delighted that we were able to move it through the House quickly.”

HB 8 passed the Ohio House unanimously and now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.