Require trauma-informed care training for guardians ad litem

hb897_00_IN

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. B. No. 897

2025-2026

Representative Brewer

Cosponsors: Representatives
Synenberg, Brennan, Lett

To
enact section 2151.282 of the Revised Code
to
require trauma-informed care training for guardians ad litem and
court-appointed special advocates in child welfare proceedings.

BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section
1.
That
section 2151.282 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec.
2151.282.
(A)
As used in this section, "child advocate" includes any
court-appointed special advocate or victim advocate appointed or
employed to assist the court in determining what is in a minor
child's best interest.

(B)
Not later than one hundred twenty days after the effective date of
this section, each guardian ad litem and child advocate appointed in
a proceeding under this chapter or Chapter 2152. of the Revised Code
shall complete at least three hours of trauma-informed care training
every two years, in addition to any other continuing education
required under rules adopted by the Ohio supreme court. The
trauma-informed care training shall include the following topics:

(1)
The effects of trauma on child development, attachment, cognition,
behavior, and emotional regulation;

(2)
Conducting meetings and interviews with a child and representing a
child in a trauma-sensitive manner to avoid retraumatization of the
child;

(3)
Recognizing secondary or vicarious trauma in the guardian ad litem's
or child advocate's own self.

(B)
The Ohio supreme court's commission on continuing legal education may
recognize the hours required under this section toward the number of
continuing legal education hours required for attorneys.

(C)
The Ohio supreme court may approve organizations or providers for
qualified trauma-informed care training, including nonprofit
organizations, legal aid organizations, universities, and certified
trauma care agencies.

(D)
Not later than one hundred twenty days after the effective date of
this section, a guardian ad litem or child advocate appointed in a
proceeding under this chapter or Chapter 2152. of the Revised Code
shall demonstrate compliance with the training requirements under
this section.