Medina Today

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 5, known as the Adoption Modernization Act. The bill's sponsor, Assistant Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), announced the signing. The legislation was a priority for the 135th General Assembly.

"I am grateful to see this bill cross the finish line and to have had the opportunity to sponsor legislation that will ensure all Ohio children are raised in a loving home," stated Ray.

The bill includes several key provisions. It increases financial support for expecting mothers who plan to place their child up for adoption, aiming to support both mother and child's health and wellbeing. It also expedites kinship care by allowing time spent in a family member's home to count towards the six-month waiting period before adoption, aligning with current foster-to-adopt scenarios in Ohio law. Additionally, it clarifies the Ohio Revised Code to streamline the adoption process and includes safeguards to ensure adopted children's safety.

Data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services shows that nearly 15,000 Ohio children live outside parental care, with about 3,000 awaiting adoption.

The Adoption Modernization Act will become effective in 90 days.