The bill amends section 5103.17 and enacts new sections 3107.018, 3107.019, 5103.171, and 5180.23 of the Revised Code to enhance the availability of information regarding adoptable children and streamline the adoption process. It mandates that public children services agencies respond to requests for adoption information within three business days and requires their websites to include links to relevant resources, contact information for agency staff, and a general description of adoption processes. Additionally, the bill establishes a centralized database on the department's "It Takes Heart" adoption initiative website, which will publish profiles of children available for adoption, accessible only to qualified adoptive parents with password-protected accounts.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for creating child profiles, including obtaining consent from children aged twelve and older, and prohibits the inclusion of personally identifiable information or images in these profiles. It also mandates annual reporting by public children services agencies to the department of children and youth regarding the number of children adopted and available for adoption, as well as their ages. The existing section 5103.17 is repealed, and new provisions are introduced to ensure compliance and oversight in the adoption process.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5103.17
As Reported By House Committee: 5103.17