(A) The Ohio interstate compact on the
placement of children (ICPC) office within the Ohio department of job and
family services (ODJFS) shall serve as the central approving authority for all
requests for services related to the placement of children into or outside of
Ohio by private child placing agencies (PCPA), private noncustodial agencies
(PNA) and courts.
(B) If the potential
resource is not already certified or approved, and the PCPA, PNA, or court
receives a request from the Ohio ICPC office for the evaluation of an Ohio
placement resource, the PCPA, PNA, or court shall:
(1) Prepare the home assessment in accordance
with the administrative rule governing the placement resource being considered.
(a) A foster home shall be evaluated pursuant
to Chapters 5101:2-5 and 5101:2-7 of the Administrative Code.
(b) An adoptive home shall be evaluated
pursuant to Chapter 5101:2-48 of the Administrative Code.
(c) A relative or non-relative kin home shall
be evaluated pursuant to rule
5101:2-42-18
of the Administrative Code unless the sending state requires the relative or
non-relative kin to be certified as a foster home or approved as an adoptive
home.
(d) If a parent home is to be
evaluated, rule
5101:2-42-18
of the Administrative Code may be used as a guideline, however the restrictions
listed in paragraphs (F) and (G) of rule
5101:2-42-18
of the Administrative Code do not apply to parent home assessments, unless the
sending state requires the parent to be certified as a foster parent or
approved as an adoptive home.
(2) Prior to the final approval of the
interstate placement, the following documentation must be submitted to the Ohio
ICPC office:
(a) The home assessment
narrative.
(b) A written statement
that assures:
(i) The prospective caregivers
were provided all available information about the child.
(ii) The PCPA, PNA, or court will be
supervising the placement.
(c) All required attachments to the homestudy
in accordance with the rule for the type of home that is the subject of the
assessment, such as copies of criminal background checks, references,
etc.
(3) If a homestudy
can not be completed and a recommendation made within thirty business days,
notification of the delay shall be sent to the Ohio ICPC office prior to the
expiration of the thirty day period so that the sending state may be
notified.
(C) If the Ohio ICPC office approves the placement of
a child for whom the PCPA, PNA, or court has an agreement to provide
supervision, the PCPA, PNA, or court shall:
(1) Begin providing monthly face to face
supervision.
(2) Submit progress
reports to the Ohio ICPC office monthly.
(3) Notify the sending agency and the Ohio
ICPC office if the child's placement disrupts and there is a need to make
immediate plans for the child's return to the sending state or for an
alternative placement.