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Bill Summary · HB 897

Overview

HB 897, introduced in the 136th Ohio General Assembly by Rep. Brewer (with cosponsors Synenberg, Brennan, Lett), would require trauma-informed care training for guardians ad litem (GALs) and court-appointed child advocates in child welfare proceedings. The measure adds a new section to the Revised Code (2151.282) detailing the training mandate, providers, and compliance timelines.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure that guardians ad litem and court-appointed child advocates are trained in trauma-informed care.
  • Aims to reduce the risk of retraumatization for children in court proceedings and to improve the effectiveness of advocates in representing a child’s best interests.
  • Seeks to formalize ongoing professional development in trauma sensitivity as part of the duties of child advocates.

Key provisions

  • Definition:

    • “Child advocate” is defined to include any court-appointed special advocate (CASA) or victim advocate appointed or employed to assist the court in determining the minor child’s best interest.

  • Training requirement:

    • Timing: Within 120 days after the bill’s effective date, each GAL and child advocate appointed in proceedings under Chapter 2151 or 2152 must complete at least 3 hours of trauma-informed care training every two years.
    • Content topics:
    • Effects of trauma on child development, attachment, cognition, behavior, and emotional regulation.
    • Conducting meetings/interviews with a child and representing a child trauma-sensitively to avoid retraumatization.
    • Recognizing secondary or vicarious trauma in the GAL or child advocate.
    • The training adds to any other continuing education requirements set by rules of the Ohio Supreme Court.

  • Compliance and verification:

    • The Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Continuing Legal Education may recognize these hours toward CLE requirements for attorneys.
    • The Supreme Court may approve training providers (e.g., nonprofit organizations, legal aid groups, universities, certified trauma care agencies).
    • Within 120 days after the section’s effective date, each GAL or child advocate must demonstrate compliance with the training requirements.

Who is affected

  • Guardians ad litem (GALs) involved in Ohio child welfare and related proceedings.
  • Court-appointed child advocates, including CASA volunteers and victim advocates, appointed under Chapter 2151 or 2152 of the Revised Code.
  • Training providers and programs that offer trauma-informed care training (subject to court approval).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The exact effective date is not specified in the text provided; the timeline depends on when the section becomes law.
  • Initial compliance deadline: 120 days after the section’s effective date for both completing initial required training and demonstrating compliance.
  • Ongoing compliance: Every two years, GALs and child advocates must complete at least 3 hours of trauma-informed care training.

Potential impact

  • Increased competency in trauma-informed approaches for individuals representing children in court, potentially improving outcomes for child welfare decisions.
  • Establishes a formal credentialing framework for training providers and potential CLE credit recognition for attorneys.
  • May necessitate allocation of resources for training programs and scheduling within the judiciary and advocacy organizations.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing Ohio requirements for GALs/advocates or provide a brief impact assessment for different stakeholder groups (courts, agencies, training providers).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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