Manning, Patton Bill Will Help Children

Legislation to help address the foster care crisis in Ohio has been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives, State Representatives Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announced today.

Often times our communities are struggling to find foster families and public children service agencies are forces to look outside of their own county and in some cases beyond state borders to find foster homes. House Bill 265 will help address this issue.

The legislation will help Ohio ease 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. 

These facilities are proven to strengthen and preserve 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. 

“I am pleased to see House Bill 265 pass the Ohio House, as it eases regulatory burdens on crisis care facilities,” said Manning. “Blessing House has served residents in crisis in Lorain County for over 15 years, and the care provided to each family is tailored to ensure they are receiving adequate supports.”

Patton agreed, saying passage of the bill by the House is an important step forward.

“This bill will help to address the foster care crisis we are currently having in our state,” said Patton.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.