This letter transmits Ohio Administrative Code Chapter (OAC) 5101:2-48 rules which were rescinded and amended as a result of the five year review. OAC 5101:2-48-14 and 5101:2-48-16 were previously issued in MTL 234 with an effective date of May 15, 2009, however, prior to this effective date the rules were withdrawn and refilled to make corrections. The effective date for these rules will be June 15, 2009.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes.

5101:2-48-14 "Preparation of child for adoptive placement" outlines the procedures an agency must take in preparing a child for adoptive placement. This rule was rescinded and the information was merged with 5101:2-48-16 now titled "Adoption preplacement and placement procedures."

5101:2-48-16 "Pre-adoptive staffing, matching and placement procedures," now titled "Adoption preplacement and placement procedures," outlines the pre-adoptive staffing, matching and placement procedures for agencies. This rule was amended to clarify that the initial matching conference may be conducted in conjunction with the pre-adoptive staffing when the permanent surrender or the file stamp date of the permanent custody order is not under appeal. This rule was also amended to require the agency to demonstrate and document diligent and child specific recruitment efforts for a child when the agency elects to not search the statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS). Paragraph (BB) was added.

INSTRUCTIONS:

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