Medina Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has agreed to amendments on House Bill 5, known as the Adoption Modernization Act. State Representative Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), who sponsored the bill, made the announcement.

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at improving the adoption process in Ohio. It seeks to increase financial support for expecting mothers planning to place their child up for adoption, with a focus on supporting both the health and wellbeing of the mother and child. The legislation also aims to expedite kinship care by allowing time spent in a family member's home to count towards the six-month waiting period required before adoption. This provision aligns with existing Ohio laws concerning foster-to-adopt situations.

Additionally, the bill clarifies sections of the Ohio Revised Code to streamline adoption procedures and introduces new safeguards to ensure adopted children's safety.

State Rep. Sharon Ray stated, "The Adoption Modernization Act will improve the adoption process for both birth parents and adopting parents – a 'win-win' for Ohio’s children."

According to data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, nearly 15,000 children in Ohio are currently living outside their parents' care, with approximately 3,000 awaiting adoption.

The next step for the Adoption Modernization Act is consideration by Governor DeWine for his signature.