This letter transmits one amended rule reflecting updates to the adoption matching process as well as revisions to three forms. The revisions are a result of stakeholder feedback and the efforts of an adoption workgroup formed to effect positive changes in adoption practice. The rule and forms will be effective 9/1/2017. The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC rule 5101:2-48-16, entitled "Adoption preplacement and placement procedures" provides guidance to agencies in regards to the matching and placement requirements for children in their permanent custody. Clarifying language was added to paragraph (C) regarding assessor visits with the child in permanent custody. Paragraphs (F) and (M) were revised to clarify that pre-adoptive staffings and matching conferences may be held prior to the birth of the child in a private agency infant adoption. Paragraph (H) now states that the prospective adoptive family shall be invited to the pre-adoptive staffing, if the PCSA or PCPA deems it to be appropriate. Language concerning distribution of the JFS 01690 was revised in paragraph (J). Paragraph (N) was revised to clarify invitations for kin who have applied to adopt the child less than fourteen days prior to the matching conference, as well as require the agency to invite any child focused recruiters to the matching who are assigned to the child, and allow the agency to invite the child to the matching if appropriate. Paragraph (O) was revised to stress the importance of the matching conferences and not delay permanency for waiting children, and require any child focused or child specific recruiter to participate in the matching conference. Paragraphs (O) and (R) were both revised to allow for flexibility with technology. The child study inventory was added to paragraph (U) as one of the factors in making the matching decision. The requirement that an adult non-relative must have been named by the biological parent in order to be considered for placement has been removed from paragraph (V). The requirement for updating the JFS 01690 pre-adoptive staffing prior to every subsequent matching conference was removed from paragraph (W). The pre-adoptive staffing meeting will now be a one-time only occurrence. Paragraph (X) was revised to allow for more flexibility in regards to permanency options other than adoption. Paragraph (Y) was revised to clarify that the JFS 01654 Adoptive Placement Agreement is not complete unless it includes all applicable signatures and the adoptive placement date. The reference to the Multiethnic Placement Act in paragraph (KK) was updated. All other changes made were not substantive.

The JFS 01654 "Adoptive Placement Agreement" was revised to clarify that the custodial agency shall supervise the adoptive placement unless the adoptive family lives in another state. Reporting requirements of the adoptive parents were also revised to align with current OAC rules. The elements regarding subsidies and foster care maintenance were separated for clarification. The last statement was added to highlight the importance of finalizing the adoption and not causing undue delay in establishing permanency for the child. All other changes were not substantive.

The JFS 01689 "Documentation of the Placement Decision-making Process" was revised to provide clarity to those involved in the decision making process. Language was revised in order to simplify the rating system and formatting changes were completed to make the form easier to read. Language was added to the form to include recruitment activities in the event no families were matched with the child. All other changes were not substantive.

The JFS 01690 "Documentation of the Pre-adoptive Staffing" was revised and reformatted to include language regarding transition requirements, such as the child study inventory, the child’s lifebook, and goodbye visits. Additional language was revised to clarify that the document is now completed only one time, and no updates are required going forward. All other changes were not substantive.

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.