This letter transmits four amended rules surrounding foster care updates as a result of the Five Year Review. These rules will be effective July 1, 2018. The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC rule 5101:2-5-32, entitled "Occupancy limitations and accessibility," provides guidance to agencies on the capacity limits and exceptions for foster homes. Paragraph (B)(3) was modified to correct a grammatical error. No substantial changes were made.

OAC rule 5101:2-7-02, entitled "General requirements for foster caregivers and applicants," provides guidance to agencies and potential foster caregivers on the requirements for becoming a foster caregiver. Paragraph (M)(2) was modified to remove the six month requirement for submission of the criminal record check at recertification. This aligns the language with OAC rule 5101:2-5-09.1 (N)(2).

OAC rule 5101:2-7-11, entitled "Socialization and education," provides guidance to agencies and caregivers on the socialization and education requirements for foster children. A new paragraph (D) was added to allow foster caregiver(s) to use the reasonable and prudent parent standard when making social decisions for foster children.

OAC rule 5101:2-7-15, entitled "Transportation," provides guidance to agencies and foster caregivers on the regulations for transporting a child in care. Paragraphs (A) and (B) were broken out for clarity. No substantive changes were made.

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.