Rule 5180:7-3-15 | Administration and eligibility for the Ohio adoption grant program.
(A) What is the Ohio adoption grant program (OAGP)?
OAGP provides a one-time payment per adopted child to eligible adoptive parent(s) for qualifying adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2023, as long as state funds are available. The Ohio department of children and youth (DCY) is responsible for the administration of OAGP.
(B) What happens if state funds are not available?
In the event state funding is no longer available, the Ohio adoption grant program will close to new applications until additional funds are secured or July first of the following state fiscal year (SFY), whichever occurs first. Once state funds have been exhausted, DCY is not to be held responsible for payment of grant payments for applications that have not been approved.
(C) What terms are used in this rule?
The following terms used in this rule are defined in section 5180.45 of the Revised Code:
(1) Adopted child;
(2) Adoption;
(3) Adoptive parent;
(4) Casework services;
(5) Foster caregiver;
(6) Qualified professional;
(7) Special needs.
(D) What are the eligibility requirements for OAGP?
(1) The adoptive parent(s) resided in Ohio at the time of adoption finalization.
(2) The adoptive parent(s) has not previously received a grant payment from OAGP for the adopted child.
(3) The adoption was not a stepparent or second-parent adoption where the spouse was already the child's legal parent.
(4) The adoptive parent(s) is to complete the application process through myohio.gov and submit all documentation no later than one year after the final adoption order, interlocutory order of adoption, or recognition of the adoption by this state under section 3107.18 of the Revised Code.
(E) What are the possible one-time grant payment amounts?
Dependent upon eligibility, adoptive parent(s) may receive one of the following payments:
(1) Ten thousand dollars;
(2) Fifteen thousand dollars, if prior to the adoption finalization the adoptive parent(s) was a certified foster caregiver(s) for the adopted child.
(3) Twenty thousand dollars, if prior to the adoption finalization the adopted child was diagnosed with a special need by a qualified professional who does not provide casework to the adopted child.
(F) What documentation is to be provided when applying for the OAGP grant?
(1) A certified copy of the final order of adoption, interlocutory order of adoption, or recognition of the adoption under section 3107.18 of the Revised Code.
(2) United States internal revenue service (IRS) form W-9, "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification."
(3) Two forms of identification:
(a) Current identification for Ohio residence of the adoptive parent(s). United States social security card of the adoptive parent(s).
(b) United States social security card of the adoptive parent(s).
(4) A certified copy of the petition for adoption of the minor.
(5) If applicable, documentation that the adoptive parent(s) was a certified foster caregiver(s) for the adopted child prior to the adoption. The public children services agency or private child placing agency may provide this documentation containing information on the placement of the adopted child, name of the adopted child, name of the foster parent(s) and placement dates.
(6) If applicable, documentation of the adopted child's diagnosis as outlined in paragraph (E)(3) of this rule, submitted on the DCY 01058 "Ohio Adoption Grant Program Special Needs Documentation."
(7) Any additional documentation requested by DCY to review eligibility for OAGP.
(G) How is eligibility and approval determined?
DCY will review the application and submitted documentation to determine if the requirements for OAGP are met and will provide the adoptive parent(s) with a decision:
(1) If approved, the adoptive parent(s) will be informed of the approved grant amount, and the one-time payment will be issued.
(2) If denied, the adoptive parent(s) will be informed of the denial and the reason. The adoptive parent(s) may request a second review of the application and submitted documentation to DCY no later than thirty days from the date of denial.
(H) What happens when DCY receives a request for a second review?
DCY administrative or management staff will conduct a second review of the application and submitted documentation to determine a final decision:
(1) If approved, the adoptive parent(s) will be informed of the approved grant amount, and the one-time payment will be issued.
(2) If denied, the adoptive parent(s) will be informed of the denial and the reason. This decision is final.
(I) Can other agencies assist with documentation?
In accordance with division (C) of section 5180.453 of the Revised Code, any department, agency, court, or division, including the department of health, is to provide any documents upon request supporting an OAGP application.
(J) Are documents provided to DCY for OAGP public record?
Only records submitted to DCY for OAGP identified as a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code will be a public record.
(1) Any document provided to DCY remains a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code if it was a public record under that section before being provided.
(2) Any document provided to DCY remains a confidential record if it was a confidential record under any federal or state law before being provided.
(K) What are the penalties for submitting false documentation to OAGP?
Any person who produces or submits any false or misleading documentation or information to DCY for the purpose of receiving the Ohio adoption grant is guilty of falsification, a first-degree misdemeanor, and punishable under section 2921.13 of the Revised Code.
Last updated October 6, 2025 at 8:08 AM