This letter transmits one amended rule reflecting updates as a result of the passage of substitute Senate Bill 250, which was effective March 23, 2015. The bill puts forth changes regarding the timeframes for putative fathers to register with the Ohio Putative Father Registry. This rule will be effective August 3, 2015. The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

• OAC rule 5101:2-48-02, entitled "Putative Father Registry" provides guidance to agencies regarding the Ohio Putative Father Registry, established to assist putative fathers in securing their parental rights in an adoption. In paragraph (B), the form name and effective date for the JFS 01694 were corrected. Paragraph (D) was revised to reflect the law change from thirty days to fifteen days after birth for the putative father to register. Paragraph (E) was revised to correctly mirror the language in the law, as well as update the effective date of the JFS 01695. Paragraph (F) was revised to reflect the change in law allowing a final search to be completed of the registry no sooner than sixteen days after the birth of the child. Paragraphs (G), (H), and (I) were revised to reflect the corrected language in paragraph (E).

This letter also transmits revisions to three forms that are utilized in connection with the Ohio Putative Father Registry (OPFR). Input regarding formatting and other updates was provided by the program area responsible for the registry. The following forms were reviewed and updated in response to the law change:

• The JFS 01694, "Ohio Putative Father Registry - Registration for Fathers" was renamed to accurately reflect the purpose of the form. The requirement for fathers to submit registration was revised to within fifteen days after the child's birth. A request for father's email address was added to assist OPFR staff in contacting putative fathers when there are questions concerning the registration form. The contact information for the Office of Child Support Enforcement was updated, as well as the contact information for submitting the forms to OPFR.
• The JFS 01694I, "Instructions for Completing the JFS 01694, Ohio Putative Father Registry - Registration for Fathers" was revised to reflect the changes to the JFS 01694, such as the timeframes for registration and the contact information for the OPFR. The website link was also added to the form as an option for fathers wanting to register online.
• The JFS 01695, "Application for Search of Ohio Putative Father Registry" was revised to update the contact information for the OPFR, correcting the address as well as adding a fax number and email address. The instructions at the top of the form were also revised to more accurately reflect the policy and practice of conducting a search of the OPFR. A section was added requesting an email address for the party requesting the search of the registry. This section was also reformatted and reworded for ease of the user and to more accurately reflect the law.

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.