Ohio HB896 amends child welfare laws to enhance parents' rights and clarify procedures.

Ohio HB896 amends sections of the Revised Code to strengthen parents' rights in child welfare cases. It mandates that public children services agencies file a plain language reasonable efforts statement if they fail to prevent child removal or enable safe return home. Courts must not make certain findings without this statement and may order remediation. The bill also details reporting requirements for mandated reporters, confidentiality of reports, and immunity from liability for good faith reporting.

Ohio HB896 amends child welfare laws to enhance parents' rights and clarify procedures.

Ohio HB896 amends sections of the Revised Code to strengthen parents' rights in child welfare cases. It mandates that public children services agencies file a plain language reasonable efforts statement if they fail to prevent child removal or enable safe return home. Courts must not make certain findings without this statement and may order remediation. The bill also details reporting requirements for mandated reporters, confidentiality of reports, and immunity from liability for good faith reporting.