This letter transmits the amendment of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rule which address access to the statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS). This rule has been revised through the Partnership for Ohio's Families (PFOF) Rule Review initiative. The rule is a product of the collaborative partnership between ODJFS and PCSAs. The presenting rule amendments were developed through the Monitoring, Administration, SACWIS and Documentation Rule Review Team and approved by the PFOF Rule Review Coordination Board.

The following is a brief explanation of the proposed changes to the rule.

OAC rule 5101:2-33-70 entitled Statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS) sets forth the requirements for staff to access, utilize and be trained on the confidential information contained within SACWIS. This rule is currently promulgated under Chapter 111.15 of the Ohio Revised Code. The Chapter 111.15 rule will be rescinded. The rule is being introduced as a new rule utilizing the same rule number to incorporate the statutory authority of Chapter 119. of the Ohio Revised Code.

Additionally, the rule has been streamlined to improve the flow of the information. Language has been modified to address the information contained in SACWIS as child welfare information as a result of the expansion of access to private child placing agencies (PCPA), private non-custodial agency (PNA) and a juvenile court that is a sub grantee with ODJFS for the purposes of Title IV-E financial reimbursement. Language has been added to address SACWIS access for prosecuting attorneys and interns. Language was added to this rule regarding the entry of case notes and dictation, which was previously contained in the case record rule.

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.