COLUMBUS, Ohio - Children's advocates in Ohio are outraged over a provision slipped into legislation in the state Senate.
Sen. Timothy Grendell, R-Chester, has added new rules for some foster youth into a bill that also includes adult sentencing and juvenile-justice reforms. House Bill 86 now says a foster child being treated for certain emotional, behavioral or mental issues would have to notify school leaders, law enforcement and the juvenile court when moving into a neighborhood.
Yvonne Hunnicutt, youth development policy associate with Voices for Ohio's Children, says some of these children do not have criminal records and the change is not needed.
"This is not the most effective way to treat young people who have already experienced very traumatic situations in their childhood, by making them eligible for the same sex offender registry and notification as others."
While some say this type of notification is a precaution, Hunnicutt says no research suggests that it increases community safety. She sees it as a double standard because similar notification is not required for youths not in foster care.
These are youths who have been removed from their homes and traumatized by abuse and neglect, says Greg Kapcar, legislative director for the Public Children's Services Association of Ohio.
"These notification provisions cross the line and will not increase community safety but, rather, add to the vulnerability of the children our state is obligated to protect from additional trauma and abuse."
About half of all foster children are placed in some level of therapeutic care, says Kapcar, adding that this provision would violate their privacy and have the unintended effect of stigmatizing foster children and the families who care for them.
Ohio has made great strides in reforming its juvenile justice system, Hunnicutt says, and in her view it's important to consider what's best in this situation as well.
"I would hope lawmakers would consider, how can we provide the best intensive mental health services for them so they can become more productive citizens of our society."
A full Senate vote on HB 86 could come as early as today. The bill's text is online at e-lobbyist.com. ..Source.. by Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service
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