CINCINNATI– State Senator Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) praised the Ohio Controlling Board’s approval of funding for the Ohio Adoption Loan Program. Kearney was the primary sponsor of the bill creating the Ohio Adoption Loan Program, the only one of its kind in the country.
“This approval process has been a four-year effort and I am happy that it is complete,” said Senator Kearney. “As parents of an adoptive child, my wife and I understand the financial difficulties that many families face when going through the process. It is my hope that this loan will encourage more families to continue the process of giving children stable and loving homes.”
Under the Adoption Loan Program, families who are approved and matched to adopt a child may seek a loan through Fifth Third Bank to defray some of the upfront costs of the adoption process. As the financial institution selected by the state of Ohio for the management of this loan program, Fifth Third Bank will receive, review and approve adoption loan applications up to $3,000 from residents of the State of Ohio. Applicants must present proof of program eligibility, in the form of a letter from an adoption agency confirming that the loan applicant is an adoptive parent who has been matched with an identified child.
The approval of the program precedes the anniversary of the 11th Annual National Adoption Day on November 19th. Celebrated across the United States, more than 350 community events are held each year to finalize the adoptions of children in foster care and celebrate adoptive families. In addition, Senator Kearney introduced Ohio Adoption Day which is celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.
Senator Eric H. Kearney represents parts of Cincinnati, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, North Bend and Addyston.
