The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families issued a second Policy Guidance on the implementation of Multi-Ethnic Placement Act (MEPA/IEPA). This issuance transmits the rules which clarify the federal requirements for both foster care and adoption agencies and establishes protocol for agencies to follow when considering the use of race, color or national origin in the placement of a child. These rules will became effective September 1, 2000.
As MEPA/IEPA effects both foster care and adoption, the department has developed two new Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules governing the placement of children into foster and adoptive homes and has amended two additional rules and the ODJFS 1673, "Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Assessment for Child Placement." Agencies should begin using the new version of the homestudy immediately. A brief explanation of each of the rules appears below.
| OAC Rule Number | Brief Explanation of New Requirements |
|---|
| 5101:2-48-13 |
(A) States that the race, color or national origin of a child or perspective adoptive parent cannot be used to deny or delay placement decisions
(C) Requires the completion of an Individualized Assessment whenever the race, color or national origin of the child is to be used in a placement decision
(D) Lists actions that are prohibited under MEPA/IEPA
(E) Lists actions that are permitted under MEPA/IEPA
(F) Establishes a procedure to be followed upon completion of the Individualized Assessment; lists required documentation to be included in the child's case plan; lists who may conduct an Individualized Assessment and establishes an internal placement review consultant to be used in each agency when race, color or national origin si to be considered as a factor in placement decisions.
|
| 5101:2-42-181 |
(A) States that the race, color or national origin of a child or perspective adoptive parent cannot be used to deny or delay placement decisions
(C) Requires the completion of an Individualized Assessment whenever the race, color or national origin of the child is to be used in a placement decision
(D) Lists actions that are prohibited under MEPA/IEPA
(E) Lists actions that are permitted under MEPA/IEPA
(F) Establishes a procedure to be followed upon completion of the Individualized Assessment; lists required documentation to be included in the child's case plan; lists who may conduct an Individualized Assessment and establishes an internal placement review consultant to be used in each agency when race, color or national origin si to be considered as a factor in placement decisions.
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| 5101:2-5-33 | (B) Increases the number of hours from 12 to 24 for foster caregiver training during each certification period, and adds a required three hour cultural diversity segment to the initial orientation topics |
| 5101:2-48-05 | (E) Requires a statement of assurance that all recruitment activities and materials are in compliance with MEPA/IEPA. |