This letter transmits revisions to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules 5101:2-33-11 and 5101:2-48-16, and form JFS 01689. These rules will be effective November 1, 2012.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes.

OAC 5101:2-33-11 entitled ?Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) agency administration requirements? sets forth the administrative requirements for PCSAs, PCPAs and PNAs regarding certain administrative requirements for compliance with MEPA. The rule has been amended to provide clarity that agencies may share MEPA monitors from other county agencies to fulfill MEPA monitoring functions.

OAC 5101:2-48-16 entitled ?Adoption Preplacement and Placement Procedures? outlines the pre-adoptive staffings and matching conferences. The rule has been amended to clarify the public children services agency (PCSA) and private child placing agency (PCPA) shall e-mail to ODJFS MEPA Coordinator at matchingconference@jfs.ohio.gov. The rule was also amended to clarify that agencies have the option to continue to hold matching conferences if the child meets the criteria as specified in Section 3107.02 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).

JFS 01689 entitled "Documentation of the Placement Decision-Making Process" form has changed from the Agency Affiliation to the Adoptive Family Agency.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The following chart shows what materials should be inserted into the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM).