(A)For the purpose of this rule, "agency" means a public children services agency (PCSA), private child placing agency (PCPA) or private noncustodial agency (PNA) certified by ODJFS that places a child or assists in placing a child for adoption.

(B)Each agency shall have a written policy on the type and extent of postfinalization adoption services that will be provided by the agency.

(C)The agency shall make postfinalization adoption services available upon the request of the birth parent, the adoptive parent or the adoptee. The agency may provide these services either directly or by referral as described in paragraph (D) of this rule.

(D)If the agency does not provide direct postfinalization adoption services, the agency shall:

(1)Refer each person who requests postfinalization adoption services to an agency that provides such services the regional Ohio kinship and adoption navigator (OhioKAN) agency, in addition to other local agencies providing the services the family needs.

(2)Upon written request of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian, provide consultation on adoption-related issues to professionals who are working with the family.

(3)Provide information regarding the procedures for releasing identifying information pursuant to rule 5101:2-48-20 of the Administrative Code.

(E)If an adoptive parent, adoptee or birth parent contacts an agency for postfinalization adoption services and the agency determines that another agency made the adoptive placement, the agency may contact that agency for assistance in providing postfinalization services.

(F)If an adoptive parent, adoptee or birth parent is unable to access postfinalization adoption services, the PCSA located in the county of residence of the adoptive family, adoptee or birth parent, respectively, is the agency ultimately responsible for the provision of, or referral to, appropriate postfinalization services.

Effective: 2/1/2021

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

Certification: CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY

Date: 01/13/2021

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 5103.03, 5153.166

Rule Amplifies: 5103.03, 5153.16

Prior Effective Dates: 07/01/1990, 02/13/1998 (Emer.), 05/14/1998, 07/01/2003, 11/03/2008, 10/01/2014