Manning, Patton Announce House Bill 265 Will Head to the Governor

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announced Thursday that House Bill 265 will now head to Governor DeWine for his signature after the Ohio House concurred after the legislation was passed by the Ohio Senate. 

The goal of House Bill 265 is to help the foster crisis we are currently having in Ohio. Far too often, foster organizations are struggling to find suitable fits for those in the foster system. As a result, public children service agencies are oftentimes forced to look outside of their home counties, and in extreme cases, beyond state borders to find foster homes. 

This legislation will work to address the foster care problem we have in Ohio by easing the regulatory burden on Children Crisis Care Facilities (CCCFs) and Residential Care Centers (RICC), which provide temporary care to children ages 0-12 and focus on focus on improved care for newborn babies and mothers impacted by addiction. 

“Such facilities are proven to prevent child maltreatment, support healthy child development, strengthen and preserve families, and reduce foster care placements - which can save tens of millions of dollars in foster care costs across our state,” said Patton.

Facilities such as these have a track record of strengthening and preserving families while also supporting a child’s development and reducing foster care placements. Currently, there are three of these facilities in Ohio, Blessing House in Elyria Township, Brigid’s Path in Dayton, and Providence House in Cleveland. 

 “Blessing House, located in my district, has served Ohioans for over 15 years,” said Manning. “I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact House Bill 265 will have on the organization after it is soon signed into law.”

The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.