(A) The court shall hold a hearing on the petition as provided in section 5101.68 of the Revised Code within fourteen days after its filing. The adult who is the subject of the petition shall have the right to be present at the hearing, present evidence, and examine and cross-examine witnesses. The adult shall be represented by counsel unless the right to counsel is knowingly waived. If the adult is indigent, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the adult. If the court determines that the adult lacks the capacity to waive the right to counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the adult's interests.

(B) If the court finds, on the basis of clear and convincing evidence, that the adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited, is in need of protective services, and is incapacitated, and no person authorized by law or by court order is available to give consent, it shall issue an order requiring the provision of protective services only if they are available locally.

(C) If the court orders placement under this section it shall give consideration to the choice of residence of the adult. The court may order placement in settings which have been approved by the department of job and family services as meeting at least minimum community standards for safety, security, and the requirements of daily living. The court shall not order an institutional placement unless it has made a specific finding entered in the record that no less restrictive alternative can be found to meet the needs of the individual. No individual may be committed to a hospital or public hospital as defined in section 5122.01 of the Revised Code pursuant to this section.

(D) The placement of an adult pursuant to court order as provided in this section shall not be changed unless the court authorized the transfer of placement after finding compelling reasons to justify the transfer. Unless the court finds that an emergency exists, the court shall notify the adult of a transfer at least thirty days prior to the actual transfer.

(E) A court order provided for in this section shall remain in effect for no longer than six months. Thereafter, the county department of job and family services shall review the adult's need for continued services and, if the department determines that there is a continued need, it shall apply for a renewal of the order for additional periods of no longer than one year each. The adult who is the subject of the court-ordered services may petition for modification of the order at any time.

Renumbered from § 5101.67 and amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 49, §130.31, eff. 9/29/2018.

Effective Date: 07-01-2000.