Ingram Calls for Review of Gaps in Ohio's Childhood Protection Systems

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) called for a comprehensive review of the gaps in Ohio's child protection and accountability systems highlighted by the recent Vinton County tragedy, stressing that lawmakers must consider the cumulative impact of changes made across multiple systems. Among those changes are revisions to homeschool oversight eliminated through Senate Bill 1 during the 135th General Assembly.

"Before Senate Bill 1, there were safeguards to ensure children receiving home instruction were accounted for, that an appropriate curriculum was being provided, and that those providing instruction met the qualifications established in law," Ingram said. "Even when a child is homeschooled, their local school district remains connected to that student. It is our responsibility as a state to close any gaps in oversight to ensure every child is receiving an acceptable education. The recent case in Vinton County is a prime example of why the state must maintain accountability."

While Senate Bill 1 restructured Ohio's education system by creating the Department of Education and Workforce, eliminating elected members to the state board of education, it also reduced homeschool reporting requirements, raising concerns about accountability and student safety.

During committee hearings on the bill, Senator Ingram offered two amendments to preserve the previous homeschool reporting requirements, but both were tabled.