Ohio Private Adoption Laws
Laws concerning adoption influence the lives of the birth parents, adoptive parents and, most importantly, the child. Though federal laws encourage certain overall standards to be met, the most important laws are created in individual states. The state of Ohio has guidelines and laws for private adoption that are as strict as any in the country.
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Placement
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Only private agencies that have been licensed, certified or determined as eligible by law may place minors for adoption. Ohio is one of only four states that requires that the placement of all minors be made by either placement agencies meeting stringent standards or state-licensed agencies. The state's Department of Social Services may also arrange placement. Also, placement organizations not sanctioned by the state and instances where a parent organizes the relinquishment of her child for adoption to another family, both referred to as non-agency placements, are prohibited.
Attorney Placement
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An attorney may also assist in the arrangement of the adoption of a child. However, a representing attorney cannot under any circumstances assist the parties seeking to adopt a child while at the same time assisting the parent(s) seeking to relinquish a child for adoption.
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Non-Agency Assistance
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A person or non-agency may assist informally in the promotion of an adoption. The party may contact a person who is seeking to adopt a minor, informing her that there will be a minor available for adoption. In cases where a county adoption agency is seeking to place a child, non-agencies may distribute this information to interested parties.
Truthful Information
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A person wishing to adopt a minor must truthfully make statements to an agency. During the application process, any person who knowingly falsifies information with the intention to adopt is guilty under Section 2921.13 of the Ohio state revised code.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
