This letter transmits one new and six amended Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules governing adoption services and one new form. The changes are generally the result of changes in law enacted by Sub. H.B. 448 by the 123rd General Assembly. The new rule, OAC 5101:2-48-11.1 creates new policy for the adoption of a foster child by a foster caregiver when the child has resided with the caregiver for at least twelve months. The new form, the JFS 01692, is an application form to be used in cases where the child has resided with a foster caregiver for at least twelve months. If the child has not resided with the caregiver for at least twelve months this form should not be used. There are several additional rules that need to be changed as a result of the enactment of Sub. H.B. 448 and these are expected to be filed in the near future and will be transmitted in another manual transmittal letter.

INSTRUCTIONS:

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