This letter transmits amendments to two Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules addressing the training requirements for caseworkers and supervisors employed by Public Children Services Agencies. The amendments are a result of the passage of House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, signed by Governor Mike DeWine on July 4, 2023. These rules will become effective January 15th, 2024.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes to these rules:

OAC 5101:2-33-55 entitled Education and Training Requirements for PCSA Caseworkers. The requirement to complete 102 hours for caseworker in-service (Core) training within the first year of employment has been removed. Coaching has been added as an acceptable activity to meet the requirements for ongoing training hours. Reference to OAC rule 5101:2-20-07 has been added to ongoing training if a PCSA caseworker provides Adult Protective Services (APS) for alignment. Requirements for human trafficking and domestic violence training have been aligned. Paragraphs within the rule have been restructured and reworded to promote clarity around continuous employment.

OAC 5101:2-33-56 entitled Training Requirements for PCSA Supervisors. The requirement to complete 60 hours for supervisor in-service (Core) training has been removed. Completion of remaining core courses during the second year of continuous employment has been removed. Coaching has been added as an acceptable activity to meet the requirements for ongoing training hours. Reference to OAC rule 5101:2-20-07 has been added to ongoing training if a PCSA supervisor supervises Adult Protective Services (APS) for alignment. Requirements for human trafficking and domestic violence training have been aligned. Paragraphs within the rule have been restructured and reworded to promote clarity around continuous employment.

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.