To require the Department of Job and Family Services to conduct a feasibility study of current trends in the placement of children by public children services agencies into relative caregiver homes.

Section 1. (A) The Department of Job and Family Services shall conduct a feasibility study of current trends in the placement of children by public children services agencies into relative caregiver homes. The study shall focus on a continuum of options, including informal relative placements, judicial transfer of legal custody or guardianship to a relative caregiver and the Kinship Permanency Incentive Program, use of approved relative caregivers, relatives becoming certified foster caregivers, and relatives as adoptive parents. The study shall include agency and court practices; child outcomes addressing safety, stability and permanency; and state and local cost implications of adding a subsidized relative guardianship program in accordance with 42 U.S.C. 671(a)(28).

(B) The Department of Job and Family Services shall complete the feasibility study by December 31, 2012, and shall submit the completed report to the Governor and, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, the General Assembly.