How a Father Forfeits Rights to a Child in Ohio

A father's actions can cost him his child in the state of Ohio.

While the Ohio Revised Code contains provisions that protect a father's rights, these rights are not absolute. A father's actions may require denial of his custodial rights or placement of the child in protective custody.

Killing the Mother

Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 3109.42, a court is generally prohibited from awarding residential placement or legal custody to a parent convicted of killing the other parent, even if the convicted parent has finished his term of incarceration.

Neglecting the Child

Under ORC Sec. 2151.03, a father may contribute to a child's being adjudicated neglected if he abandons the child or fails to provide "proper and necessary subsistence, education, medical or surgical care or treatment." The statue also defines a "neglected child" as one who "lacks parental care" because of the "faults or habits" of the parent in question.

Abusing the Child

ORC Sec. 2151.031 defines an abused child as a "victim of sexual activity," an endangered child, a child who shows signs of "physical or mental injury or death, inflicted other than by accidental means," or one who suffers physical or mental harm due to the actions of the parent. Both neglecting and abusing a child can result in the court taking away the child.

References

• Ohio Revised Code Sec. 2151.103; Retrieved August 20, 2010.
• Ohio Revised Code Sec. 3109.42; Retrieved August 20, 2010.
• Ohio Revised Code Sec. 2151.031; Retrieved August 20, 2010.
• Ohio Revised Code Sec. 2151.05; Retrieved August 20, 2010.