Ohio Legal Representation Pilot Program: Year Three Evaluation Report

This report presents findings from the third year of a four-year evaluation of six pilot programs providing multidisciplinary legal representation for parents involved in or at risk of involvement with the child protection system. In Year 3, Action Research visited all pilot sites; conducted interviews and focus groups with 48 pilot staff and judges; reviewed program materials, reports, and aggregate data; and observed technical assistance sessions and an all-pilot convening.

The report presents descriptive findings on case outcomes and examines pilots’ practices and strategies for staffing, sustainability, and the role of parent advocates. Over the first three years, pilots served more than 350 families involving over 800 children and aim to sustain services and staffing beyond the grant period. The report offers recommendations to strengthen funding plans, formalize program processes and documentation, and enhance data systems to guide future planning.

Read the full Year 3 report here.