Are you a grandparent caring for your grandchild in Ohio…

but you can't make vital decisions for your grandchild because you don't have legal custody? A new law may allow you to make these decisions without requiring a custody transfer through the court system.

This is what you need to know…

If you are currently caring for one or more grandchildren because the child's parent cannot, your grandchild's parents can grant you Power of Attorney. This will allow you to:

• Arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment.
• Authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school.
• Access information regarding their education.
• Provide consent for educational activities.

To obtain Power of Attorney for your grandchild, you must:

• Access the appropriate form, available at www.pcsao.org
• Understand and agree to the terms regarding Power of Attorney.
• Provide the signature of the consenting parent, yourself, and an official notary on the form.
• File the form with your local juvenile court within five (5) days of signing it.

If you are currently caring for one or more grandchildren, and cannot locate the child's parent, you may obtain a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit. This will allow you to:

• Arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment.
• Authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school.
• Access information regarding their education.
• Provide consent for educational activities.

To obtain a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit, you must:

• Access the appropriate form, available at www.pcsao.org
• Understand and agree to the terms regarding the Caretaker Authorization Affidavit.
• Provide your signature and that of an official notary.
• File the form with your local juvenile court within five (5) days of signing it.