State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) today applauded the Ohio House’s passage of Amended House Bill 212, which extends to a legal custodian the exemption from certain requirements for adoptive placement.

In order for prospective parents to adopt, there are several requirements that must be met. For instance, the child’s biological parents must appear before the court hearing the case, an independent home study must be performed, and the court must have approved the proposed placement.

Currently, these restrictions do not apply to stepparents, grandparents or guardians who want to adopt a child for whom they are providing care. This bill exempts a legal custodian from these requirements regarding the adoption of a child under their care.

“I am pleased that my colleagues in the House have voted to strengthen Ohio’s families and help many of our children enjoy safe, loving homes,” said Grossman, who sponsored the bill.

Am. H.B. 212 has bipartisan co-sponsorship and passed with unanimous support in the Ohio House. It will now move to the Ohio Senate, where it will undergo further consideration.