This letter transmits the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules governing the requirements for placements that must go through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). These rules have been amended and rescinded as a result of decentralizing the functions that the Ohio Office for ICPC performs at the state level on behalf of Ohio's public children services agencies (PCSAs). These rules do not affect the Department's retention of the functions it currently performs for private agencies, courts, and parents nor its role in policy oversight. The Department surveyed PCSAs about decentralization of the functions for PCSAs and received positive feedback from agency directors.

The following is a brief explanation of the proposed changes.

OAC 5101:2-52-02 entitled General requirements applicable to interstate placements of children sets forth the overall requirements that apply to all ICPC requests. This rule is being rescinded as requirements have been incorporated into OAC 5101:2-52-04 and 5101:2-52-06 respectively.

OAC5101:2-52-04 entitled PCSA responsibilities for the interstate compact on the placement of children sets forth the requirements for PCSAs when placing or supervising children placed across state lines. The old rule is being rescinded and being replaced by this rule which outlines requirements for PCSAs. PCSAs will no longer send or receive ICPC cases through ODJFS. PCSAs will interact directly with Compact or Deputy Compact Administrators in other states. Each PCSA Director (or his or her designee) would serve as the Assistant Deputy Compact Administrator for his or her respective county and have the authority to receive and send requests directly with other state ICPC Offices, or if the other state is decentralized, with the local entity in that state.

OAC5101:2-52-06 entitled PCPA, PNA and court requirements for the interstate compact on the placement of children sets forth the requirements for private agencies and courts when placing or supervising children placed across state lines. OAC 5101:2-52-06 is being rescinded and being replaced by this rule which outlines all sending and receiving requirements that must be done through the Ohio ICPC office.