5101:2-48-16 Adoption preplacement and placement procedures.

 

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES

 

DATE:                         September 3, 2015

TIME:                        10:00 a.m.

LOCATION:               Room 3110B, Rhodes State Office Tower

30 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215

 

Pursuant to sections 3107.032, 5101.141, 5103.03, 5153.166 and Chapter 119. of the Ohio Revised Code, the director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services gives notice of the department's intent to consider the amendment of the rules identified below and of a public hearing thereon. The rules are proposed for amendment as a result of the ongoing effort to align the foster care and adoption processes, as well as an effort to remove any inconsistencies in the rules regarding the matching process, and because it is within our statutory authority to update our policies.

 

 

OAC rule 5101:2-48-05, entitled "Agency adoption policy and recruitment plan" provides guidance to agencies regarding the policies they are required to have, including their adoption recruitment plan. Paragraph (B)(2)(g) was revised to clarify when a large family assessment is due, in alignment with a change to rule 5101:2-48-12 of the Administrative Code. Paragraph (B)(4) was revised to remove private noncustodial agencies from the requirement, as they would not be requesting a homestudy for matching purposes. Paragraph (B)(9) was revised to simply refer agencies to rule 5101:2-48-16 of the Administrative Code in creating their matching policy, in an effort to alleviate any discrepancies. Paragraph (B)(10) was revised to accentuate the preference to keep siblings together whenever possible and in their best interests. The language in paragraph (F) was added to paragraph (E). The language in paragraph (I) was added to paragraph (G). Paragraphs (L) and (M) were taken from the requirements located in rule 5101:2-5-13 for foster care policies, in a continued effort to align the two programs. All other revisions were not substantive and were for grammar purposes or for the ease of the reader.

 

OAC rule 5101:2-48-16, entitled "Adoption preplacement and placement procedures" provides guidance to agencies regarding what is required between the time of permanent custody and the time of adoption. Language was added to paragraph (H) to ensure that the appropriate individuals who are required to be invited to the pre-adoptive staffing are given appropriate notice to the meeting, or any changes or cancelations to the meeting. Identical language was added to paragraph (N) for the purposes of the matching conferences. The language in paragraph (U)(5) was taken from the stricken language in rule 5101:2-48-05 of the Administrative Code. Paragraph (V) was revised to clarify, in one rule, what the matching preference order is when all possible placement options are in the best interest of the child. Language was added to paragraph (AA) to require a specific timeframe for when information must be given to other agencies after a

 

 

 

 

 

 

matching conference. Private noncustodial agencies were removed from paragraph (DD) as a noncustodial agency is not to be placing children out of state in adoptive homes, and private child placing agencies were added to the paragraph as they are permitted to place out of state. Paragraphs (II) and (JJ) were added to the language in paragraphs (LL) through (NN). All other revisions were not substantive and were for grammar purposes or for the ease of the reader.

Copies of the proposed rules are available, without charge, to any person affected by the rules at the address listed below. The rules are also available on the internet at  http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/. A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held at the date, time, and location listed at the top of this notice. Either written or oral testimony will be taken at the public hearing. Additionally, written comments submitted or postmarked no later than the date of the public hearing will be treated as testimony.

Requests for a copy of the proposed rules or comments on the rules should be submitted by mail to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Office of Legal and Acquisition Services, 30 East Broad Street, 31st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3414, by fax at [phone], or by e-mail at [e-mail].