The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code to enhance the procedures for public children services agencies regarding the immediate custody of children who cannot be released to a parent, guardian, or custodian. It introduces new legal language in section 2151.31, requiring that if a child is taken into custody and cannot be released, the court officer or law enforcement officer must promptly notify the public children services agency, which is then mandated to take immediate custody of the child. In cases where the child is taken into custody outside their home county, the agency must act as the temporary custodial agency and inform the appropriate agency in the child's home county.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing provisions related to child custody, specifying circumstances under which a court may determine that an agency is not required to make reasonable efforts to prevent a child's removal from their home, particularly in cases of parental misconduct. It also establishes new requirements for entities placing children in foster care or for adoption, mandating comprehensive reports on the child's background and ensuring that the costs of these evaluations are covered by the placing entity. The bill repeals outdated sections of the Revised Code, thereby streamlining the legal framework for child custody and placement.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.27, 2151.31, 2151.419, 2152.72, 3109.58, 3109.68