This letter transmits Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules 5101:2-47-19 and 5101:2-42.19.2 which were reviewed as result of the five-year rule review process. The rules will be effective May 1, 2024.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

Both rules have been amended to remove regulatory restrictive words as described in SB 9 of the 134th General Assembly.

OAC rule 5101:2-42-19 "Requirements for the provision of independent living services to youth in custody." outlines the independent living services to youth and young adults in the custody of the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA) or Private child placing agency (PCPA). Changes were made to reflect the current standards in rule writing, streamline language for clarity, the list of available services were removed to allow for local flexibility. Additionally, requirements have been added regarding the National Youth in Transition Database, the Foster Youth Rights Handbook, and clarifications regarding use of Chafee Independent Living Allocation. Lastly, the requirements to complete readiness reviews and final transition plans were modified to reduce burden to PCSA caseworkers and allow for flexibility for youth that would not be emancipating at age 18 and the requirement to determine if a youth meets eligibility requirement for Bridges were removed.

OAC 5101:2-42-19.2 "Requirements for provision of independent living services to young adults who have emancipated." outlines service provisions for young adults who have emancipated from PCSA/PCPA custody. Changes have been made that reflect the current standards in rule writing, lists of available services were removed to allow for flexibility for young adults who have emancipated up to age 21, language was streamlined for clarity.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart shows what materials should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and what materials are to be inserted in the FCASM.