Adoptive parents work to unify with Ohio boy

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — A southwest Ohio couple who’d been accused of abandoning the adopted 9-year-old son they raised since infancy have taken another step toward possible reunification.

Lisa and Cleveland Cox agreed Wednesday in a Hamilton courtroom to have the boy declared as a dependent, allowing reunification efforts to proceed. A Butler County assistant prosecutor tells The Cincinnati Enquirer that means the state must intervene but the parents aren’t faulted.

Authorities alleged the couple left the boy with children services after saying he displayed aggressive, threatening behavior.

The parents originally were charged with nonsupport of dependents. The charge against Cleveland Cox was dropped, while his wife pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and received a suspended jail sentence as long as she continues working toward reunification.

Their attorney says they’re slowly making progress.