This letter transmits one amended rule surrounding foster care updates as a result of the Five Year Review. This rule will be effective July 7, 2014. The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC rule 5101:2-5-13, entitled "Required agency policies, plans and procedures", provides guidance to agencies regarding policies a foster care agency must have in order to operate. Paragraph (A)(2) was amended to remove the two year update timeframe for the completion of the Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) plan. The MEPA plan can remain as written until an update occurs. Paragraph (A)(10) was amended for clarity. No substantive changes were made. Paragraph (A)(16) was added to require an agency that operates a residential facility to have a policy for admissions. Paragraphs (A)(24) and (A)(25) were removed because they are duplicative and can be found in rule 5101:2-48-05 of the Administrative Code. A new paragraph (A)(28) was added to require an agency to have a policy for monitoring the appropriate use of psychotropic medications for children and youth in foster care. This was added due to a federal mandate in section 422(b) (15)(A) of 42 U.S.C. 622.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the material that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the material that should be added.