COLUMBUS, Ohio — Legislation introduced in the Ohio Senate could change how child protective services (CPS) can respond when children are participating in independent activities.

Senate Bill 277, sponsored by Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), clarifies that a child should not be considered abused or neglected solely because they are going to school, biking, playing outside or staying home alone for short periods of time, as long as the activity is appropriate for their age and abilities.

According to Gavarone's office, in recent years, child welfare agencies across Ohio and other states have faced scrutiny over cases where parents were investigated after allowing children to be unsupervised in public spaces. The legislation would set clearer boundaries for when CPS involvement is

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