On July 6, 2000 Governor Taft signed House Bill 448 (H.B. 448). Its provisions became effective on October 5, 2000. This transmittal contains Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules 5101:2-33-55 and 5101:2-33-56 reflecting the new education and training components contained in the bill.

Educational Requirements

H.B. 448 stipulates that Public Children Services Agencies (PCSA) may only hire a caseworker if the applicant has the following educational credentials: (a) bachelor's degree in human services related studies; (b) bachelor's degree in any field and has been employed for at least two years in a human services related occupation; associate degree in human services related studies; or (d) employed for at least five years in a human services occupation. The bill also indicates caseworkers whose educational credentials include those outlined in (b) to (d) must obtain a job-related bachelor's degree no later than five years after the date employment with the agency commences. To assist caseworkers in complying with educational requirements contained in the bill the agency should consider enrolling the worker in the TOPS program. Agencies are required to use the definition of "caseworker" found in OAC rule 5101:2-1-01 to comply with the educational provisions contained in H.B. 448.

Individual Training Needs Assessment

Over the past few years the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program has worked with agencies in completing the Individual Training Needs Assessment form for caseworkers and supervisors. H.B. 448 requires all PCSAs complete Individual Training Needs Assessments for Caseworkers and Supervisors once every two years.

These rules and forms will take effect on April 1, 2001.

INSTRUCTIONS:

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