(A)Every child has the right to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. An agency shall demonstrate consideration for, and sensitivity to, the religious background of a child in out-of-home care and of families receiving agency services.

(B)Opportunity shall be provided each child in out-of-home care for practicing the chosen religious beliefs and faith of the child or his family, including dietary restrictions due to beliefs, unless it is determined and documented in the child's case plan by the custodial agency that practicing the child's or family's chosen religious beliefs and faith is not in the child's best interests. A child may be encouraged to participate in religious activities, but shall not be coerced to do so.

(C)A child may be encouraged to participate in religious activities, but is not to be coerced to do so.

(C)(D) An agency shall not require a child in an out-of-home care setting to receive non-emergency medical treatment that conflicts with the religious tenets or practices of the religion of the child or parent without the specific written consent of the parent, guardian or custodian.

(D)(E) When a child in an out-of-home care setting requires emergency medical treatment and such treatment conflicts with the religious tenets or practices of the child, parent, guardian or custodian, the out-of-home care setting shall immediately transport or arrange for the transportation of the child to a medical facility and contact the custodial agency or the individual who placed the child.

Effective: 2/1/2021

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 10/26/2020 and 02/01/2026

Certification: CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY

Date: 01/08/2021

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 5103.03

Rule Amplifies: 5103.02, 5103.03

Prior Effective Dates: 12/30/1966, 10/01/1986, 07/02/1990 (Emer.), 10/01/1990, 01/01/1991, 12/11/2006, 08/01/2010, 12/01/2015