The Child Protection Reform Act proposes comprehensive amendments to Ohio's child protection services and criminal sentencing laws. Key provisions require public and private child placing agencies to develop and maintain case plans for children receiving services, particularly those who are abused, neglected, or dependent. The bill mandates that case plans for children under three in temporary custody include participation in the "Help Me Grow" program and emphasizes family involvement in case planning. It also establishes specific goals for case plans, such as ensuring safe out-of-home placements and expediting the return of children to their homes when appropriate. Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, clarifying the responsibilities of various professionals and agencies involved in the process.

In terms of criminal sentencing, the bill introduces stricter penalties for violent felony offenses, particularly those involving firearms, and modifies training requirements for public children services agency (PCSA) caseworkers. It mandates an additional ten-year prison term for violent career criminals who use firearms during violent felonies, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. The bill also raises the age threshold for victims suffering permanent disabling harm from under ten to under eighteen years or over sixty-five years. Furthermore, it enhances training for PCSA caseworkers, including new courses on disability assessment, and mandates weekly in-person visits for vulnerable children in custody. Overall, the legislation aims to improve child welfare and enhance public safety through stricter sentencing guidelines and better training for those involved in child protection.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2151.412, 2151.421, 2151.423, 2151.429, 2151.467, 2151.468, 2903.01, 2903.11, 2919.22, 2929.13, 2929.14, 2941.1426, 5153.122, 5153.16