This letter transmits Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:2-44-071, replacing the emergency rule currently in effect governing the Post Adoption Special Services Subsidy (PASSS) program. Please note that several changes have been made to this rule as a result of the comments that were received during the clearance process and at the public hearing held last month. This is a permanent rule change and will go into effect on June 5, 2000. All successful applications submitted on or after that date must comply with this rule.

The Ohio Department of Human Services wishes to remind county agencies that the Post Adoption Special Services (PASSS) program has been reopened. Counties are encouraged to utilize these funds for adoptive families whose child may be experiencing adoption related problems or problems that were pre-existing but not apparent at the time of the adoption. Please be assured that there are adequate funds remaining for the duration of this fiscal year and it is the hope of this Department that counties will avail themselves of these funds to assist adoptive families in need.

Families who were denied services while the program was closed earlier this year should be encouraged to resubmit their applications. In addition, families who have been denied PASSS funds because the service required is no longer covered under PASSS should be encouraged to seek funds from other available sources. One such source, particularly for children needing residential services, would be the State Intersystems Collaboration for Youth (State Cluster). These funds may be accessed through the county Family and Children First Council. Families requesting educational services should be encouraged to work with their local school district to receive the special educational services their child requires.

Please refer any questions regarding this rule to the Adoption and Kinship Section at (614) 466-9274.