The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enhance the administration of services under the Ohio parenting and pregnancy program and to improve the operations of public children services agencies. Key changes include the modification of definitions, the restructuring of the appeals process for family services programs, and the removal of the Ohio parenting and pregnancy program from the list of Title IV-A programs. The bill also allows the Department of Job and Family Services to enter into agreements with private, not-for-profit entities for funding programs recommended by the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, and it expands eligibility criteria to include parents or relatives caring for children aged five years or younger.

Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for entities receiving funds under the Ohio parenting and pregnancy program and clarifies the conditions under which the Department of Children and Youth may provide funding. It mandates the establishment of a safety and risk assessment system for evaluating the risk of abuse or neglect to children and requires agencies to make reasonable efforts to prevent child removal from homes. The bill also repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code, indicating a significant restructuring of the legal framework governing public children services, while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations to enhance support for families in need.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3125.18, 5101.35, 5101.80, 5101.801, 5101.804, 5101.805, 5153.16, 5101.91