This letter transmits the amendment of Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rule 5101:2-36-08. These changes will become effective March 1, 2011. The following is a brief explanation of the proposed changes.

OAC 5101:2-36-08, "PCSA requirements for involving a third party in the assessment/investigation of a child abuse or neglect report," outlines the requirements for public children services agencies when they are assessing/investigating accepted reports of child abuse and neglect when conflicts of interest exist. This rule is being amended to include language permitting public children services agencies to use in-house assessment/investigation units in these circumstances if the report does not involve an agency employee or allege a criminal offense. The in-house unit must work independently of all other units within the agency. The agency must have written internal policies and procedures for the review and approval of the in-house unit's assessments/investigations.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart indicates the materials that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the materials that should be added.