This letter transmits seven amended rules surrounding foster care updates as a result of the five year review. These rules will be effective April 15, 2013.

The following is a brief explanation of the proposed changes:

OAC rule 5101:2-5-04.1, entitled "Acceptance of accreditation in lieu of certification requirements" provides guidance to agencies on what needs to be submitted to have a certification accepted by ODJFS. Paragraph (C) was removed as it was a directive for ODJFS and not an agency.

OAC rule 5101:2-5-14, entitled "Treatment or diagnostic services" provides guidance to agencies in regard to medical care and treatment. Paragraph (A) was restructured for clarity. No substantive changes were made.

OAC rule 5101:2-5-15, entitled "Volunteers and college interns" provides guidance to agencies in regard to requirements for using college interns and volunteers. Paragraph (E) was moved to the location of paragraph (D) to allow the rule to flow better. No substantive changes were made.

OAC rule 5101:2-5-34, entitled "PCPA and PNA case plans and administrative case reviews for direct placements" provides guidance to agencies in regard to the requirements for direct placements in private agencies. Paragraph (A) was amended to show the agency does not have to complete a case plan if the child is placed for less than thirty days. Other non-substantive changes were made for clarity.

OAC rule 5101:2-7-08, entitled "Alternative care arrangements" provides guidance to agencies and foster caregivers for approving alternative care arrangements for children in care. Paragraph (E) was amended for clarity and paragraph (F) was updated with the correct reference number for a rule. No substantive changes were made.

OAC rule 5101:2-7-11, entitled "Socialization and education" provides guidance to foster caregivers on the educational and recreational activities to be provided for a child in foster care. Paragraph (B) was amended to require a copy of an approval for home schooling to be placed in the file of the child. Paragraph (C) was amended for clarity. Paragraph (D) was created from existing language in paragraph (C) and was broken out for clarity. No substantive changes were made in paragraphs (C) or (D).

OAC rule 5101:2-7-15, entitled "Transportation" provides guidance to foster caregivers for transportation requirements when transporting foster children. Paragraph (D) was amended to make reference to the required Revised Code section for child safety seats and seat belt requirements. Paragraph (I) was added to require foster caregivers to ensure the recall and safety information issued by the consumer product safety commission (CPSC) related to child safety seats or booster seats are reviewed.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the material that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the material that should be added.