This letter transmits amendments to existing Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules 5101:2-1-01, 5101:2-36-10, 5101:2-40-02, and the addition of a new rule, 5101:2-40-05 to address the implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018.  The rules will be effective April 1, 2021.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC 5101:2-1-01 entitled Children Services Definitions of Terms identifies terminology and definitions utilized in Ohio’s child welfare system. The following terms have been added and defined: “candidate for foster care”, “candidate for prevention services”, “evidence-based practice”, “family case plan” and prevention services plan.

OAC 5101:2-36-10 entitled PCSA Requirements for Responding to Family in Need of Services Reports sets forth the PCSA requirements for responding to screened in Family In Need of Services reports. A requirement has been added to complete a “Family Assessment” for family in need of services reports being transferred to prevention services.

OAC 5101:2-40-02 entitled Supportive Services for Prevention of Placement, Reunification and Life Skills sets forth the primary goals of all supportive services to be offered and provided by a PCSA. Language has been included to add “Prevention Services” to the list of available PCSA services.

OAC 5101:2-40-05 entitled PCSA Requirements for Providing Family First Prevention Services sets forth the PCSA requirements for implementing the Family First Prevention Services program. This new rule outlines the prevention services program requirements for a PCSA in the provision of prevention services to families.

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.