COLUMBUS, Ohio — New research on child custody policies in Ohio shows that families are receiving different treatment depending on their ZIP code.

According to the "Ohio Parenting Time Report," research shows children fare better when they have equal time with both parents in cases of divorce or separation. While a handful of Ohio counties have parenting time rules aligned with this data, report co-author Donald Hubin, director of the Center for Ethics and Human Values, said the vast majority do not.

"Sixty four of the 88 counties have parenting time schedules that are really of the 1950s or ‘Mad Men’ days’ model, where one parent will see the children for only 48 hours in a two-week period; so it's every other weekend,” Hubin said. “And most of those counties allow also 2-3 hours' mid-week parenting time."

The report showed just three counties - Ashtabula, Jefferson and Tuscarawas - provide default schedules that call for equal time. Kentucky recently became the first state to enact a law making joint custody the legal presumption if both parents are considered fit caregivers.

Van Wert is the only county that scored an "F" in the report. Hubin explained its parenting rule states that fathers have visitation every other weekend while mothers retain custody the majority of the time.

"That was shocking to me. I really thought the feminist law reform in the '70s had taken out such explicitly gendered language,” he said. “And it certainly has been removed from most places, but Van Wert county still assumes that the father is the parent that visits with the children and the mother is the parent that raises them."

Hubin said if child custody arrangements are handled properly, the negative effects of divorce or separation on children can be minimized. And the report noted that shared physical custody also is a best-case scenario when there is a lot of conflict between parents.

Hubin said that's surprising to a lot of people.

"They think, 'Well, if these parents can't even agree to use shared physical custody, how can they possibly raise their kids together?' And the fact is, they can,” Hubin said. “What they do is parallel parenting. They cooperate with one another when something pressing important has to be decided jointly."

While statewide shared-parenting guidelines are ideal, Hubin argued counties should update their default plans to ensure they are supported by research and consider the best interests of the child.

Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.


get more stories like this via email

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives.

A 12-year-old boy who was previously moved between multiple residential facilities found hope when a familiar face from his past stepped forward.

Gretchen Emch, adoption assessor for the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services, recalled how it began.

"She was actually a behavior specialist at his school; said that this young man reminded her of her younger brother," Emch recounted. "They connected very well, and she wanted to try and visit him and figure out what to do."

The behavior specialist and her husband became licensed treatment foster parents through Ohio's pilot program, which funds therapeutic care to keep children with trauma out of group settings and closer to community. Critics argued the program still needs more staffing and funding to meet statewide demand.

Patrick, the boy's foster father, advised anyone with a spark of interest in fostering to reach out to county organizations. He said their family has been guided and supported every step of the way and fostering has deeply enriched their lives.

"If you show any interest, they will help guide you through the entire process," Patrick explained. "It was super helpful. And honestly, it's a blessing having this new face in our home, this new life in our home and having to teach each other experiences and tell stories and this, that, and the other. It's been amazing."

The Treatment Foster Home Pilot, launched under Gov. DeWine, now funds 11 county collaboratives in Ohio.

Advocates said stories like this show what's possible but emphasized the state must ensure sustainable support if it hopes to recruit more families for youth with complex needs.


get more stories like this via email

At Thanksgiving, millions of Americans will see relatives who may be on the other side of the political divide for the first time since the election and experts have some tips for approaching the conversation.

Emma Nadler is a therapist, speaker and author of the book "The Unlikely Village of Eden." She suggested people consider what their overall goal is for the evening -- and the relationships -- and respond accordingly.

"When you feel yourself getting angry, frustrated, take a few seconds to consider, 'How do I honor my purpose here? What do I want to say next that brings me back to why I'm here at this holiday?'" Nadler recommended.

The group Braver Angels promotes civil political discussions. It suggested people focus on finding out where the other person is coming from, without putting him or her on the defensive, and try to find common ground before stating an opposing viewpoint.

Nadler added if the conversation takes a wrong turn, it is best to take a long pause, maybe pitch in with the dishes or take a walk rather than let things get nasty.

"Anyone can say and do things they regret," Nadler stressed. "It takes about at least 20 minutes of non-activating conversation to get back to your baseline regulation. So it's not two minutes."

Some families may choose to send out an email ahead of time to set the tone for the holiday, in hopes the Thanksgiving gathering will be about enjoying the time together, where people include and respect each other regardless of political viewpoints.


get more stories like this via email

November is National Adoption Month and one Oregon nonprofit is making space for Black and Indigenous adoptees to share their stories.

Although most adoptees are well-adjusted, research indicates people who have been adopted are more likely to have mental health struggles and are four times more likely to attempt suicide.

Liana Soifer, cofounder and executive director of the group BIPOC Adoptee Voices, said if the dominant story around adoption is too focused on parents and advocacy groups, the struggles and triumphs of adoptees can be overlooked.

"Adoption is based on a transaction: 'You're adopted, you're done, you're good, your life is fine,'" Soifer observed. "And for many of us now adult, into adulthood, we're saying, 'No, it's not fine.'"

Sofier was adopted from South Korea by a white family, and said having limited information about where you come from can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. If you are in crisis or know someone who is, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

In Oregon, most adoptees are adopted by close family members. On average, 125 children are waiting to be adopted from foster care. The number has declined significantly in the last six years, after the Oregon Department of Human Services changed its policies to minimize child separation.

Soifer emphasized every adoption story is unique and said the public needs to learn about the struggles adoptees experience, along with their successes.

"Changing the way that we frame things, not good or bad, but just like, 'Here's the reality. The most important thing we can do is just educating how those adoptees, how the birth families are impacted,'" Soifer explained.

Soifer added getting to know other BIPOC adoptees has been important for building her own sense of belonging. BIPOC Adoptee Voices hosts regular, free mixers and storytelling events.


get more stories like this via email