This Procedure Letter (PL) transmits changes to the JFS 01677 Foster Youth Rights Handbook as a result of Public Law 113-183 Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act that became effective September 29, 2014. The law requires each youth to receive notification of his or her rights upon entering foster care and to have the rights reviewed with him or her in an age-appropriate manner.

The following is a brief explanation of the changes:

• Agencies must provide each youth who has attained age 14 (and above) and is in foster care, enters foster care, or turns 14 years of age while in foster care a copy of the Foster Youth Rights Handbook. If a youth in foster care has already received a handbook, a new handbook is not necessary.
• The bottom portion of the signature page is to be signed by the youth which documents receipt of the handbook and that the handbook has been reviewed with the youth. The signature page is then to be detached from the handbook and attached to the case plan (initial or amended) which is to be submitted to court.
• If a youth refuses or is unable to sign the form, the caseworker should have the substitute caregiver sign the signature page and leave the handbook with the substitute caregiver for the youth. The handbook should follow the youth throughout his or her placement(s).
• The handbooks can be ordered through Forms Central at https://innerapp.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/

INSTRUCTIONS: