This letter transmits six amended rules, and one rule and two forms to be obsoleted as a result of the five-year review. These rules will be effective February 1, 2021.

OAC 5101:2-48-02 entitled Putative Father Registry provides guidance to putative fathers on registering. The rule also provides guidance on the process of requesting a search of the putative father registry for the purpose of adoption. The website addresses were updated. The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-17 entitled Assessor Visits and Contacts with Children in Adoptive Homes Prior to Finalization provides guidance to assessors on the number of visits required prior to finalization and the information the assessor is required to obtain at those visits. In paragraph (E) the website address was updated. The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-18 entitled Postfinalization Services provides guidance on agencies' responsibility to provide postfinalization services.  In paragraph (D) a reference was made to Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator (OhioKAN) as a resource. The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-20 entitled Release of Identifying and Nonidentifying Information provides guidance to assessors on their responsibility to inform birth parents about their right to approve and deny the release of identifying information. The rule also provides guidance to assessors about informing adoptive parents of information that may be requested by the adopted child. The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-22 entitled Adoptive Family Case Record provides guidance to agencies on preparing and maintaining case records.  The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-23 entitled Preservation of Adoptive Child Case Record provides guidance to agencies on the requirements of maintaining an adoptive case record, specifically all the required forms and documentation. Language was updated to enhance clarity. The form revision dates were removed throughout the rule.

OAC 5101:2-48-25 entitled Inter-country Adoption Data Collection is being rescinded as the process of documentation has transitioned to the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System. Forms JFS 01670 and JFS 01670-I are to be obsoleted as the information is now captured in the SACWIS system. 

JFS 01670 Inter-Country Adoption Data Collection will be obsoleted as the information is now captured in the SACWIS system.

JFS 01670-I Instructions for Completing JFS 01670 Inter-Country Adoption Data Collection will be obsoleted as the information is now captured in the SACWIS system.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart indicates the materials that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the materials that should be added