Senate Bill 202 of the 134^th General Assembly was signed by Governor DeWine enacting new Ohio Revised Code sections 2131.03, 2131.031, 2131.032, 2131.033, and 2131.034 that became effective April 3, 2023. These new sections address persons with disabilities and modifications that may be necessary to accommodate them when applying as a foster caregiver or adoptive parent. The two Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules impacted are within Chapter 5 and Chapter 48 are being amended and are part of the five-year rule review.  These rules will be effective February 1, 2024.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

OAC 5101:2-5-20 entitled Initial application and completion of the foster care homestudy provides guidance to agencies on the application and homestudy process for a foster care applicant. Paragraph (E)(4) was added to provide reference to the new sections Ohio Revised Code 2131.03, 2131.031, 2131.032, 2131.033, and 2131.034 which were created to address persons with disabilities and modifications that may be necessary to accommodate them when applying as a foster caregiver. Paragraphs (K)(3) and (N)(3) have Ohio added to the name of the statewide automated child welfare information system (SACWIS), to properly identified the system as Ohio SACWIS.

OAC 5101:2-48-12 entitled Completion of the Adoption Homestudy provides guidance to agencies on the homestudy process for prospective adoptive applicants. Paragraph (E)(4) was added to provide reference to the new sections Ohio Revised Code 2131.03, 2131.031, 2131.032, 2131.033, and 2131.034 which were created to address persons with disabilities and modifications that may be necessary to accommodate them when applying as an adoptive parent. Paragraph (D) corrected spelling of word ‘conflict’.

INSTRUCTIONS:The following chart indicates the material that should be removed from the Family, Children and Adult Services Manual (FCASM) and the materials that are to be inserted in the FCASM.