Adoption Part of Everyday Life for DCY Team Member and Her Family
November is National Adoption Month
You might say adoption is in Sarah Shooter's blood. Sarah, who is part of DCY's Child and Young Adult Supports Bureau, sat down with DCY Director Kara Wente to share her unique perspectives on adoption and encourage others to explore this life-changing experience.
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"More Than Just a Legal Ruling": Adoption Changes the Lives of Grandparents and Their Grandkids Forever
November is National Adoption Month
Life doesn’t always give second chances. But for two grandparents who once stood before Child Protective Services (CPS) as struggling, poverty-stricken young parents, fate would eventually offer them one. More than 30 years ago, their history was marked with hardship and pain. They were young, living in poverty, and burdened by the choices that came with survival. Their involvement with CPS left behind an extensive negative history that followed them for decades, haunting them even as they grew older and wiser.
But time has a way of reshaping people. With age came perspective, strength, and a deeper understanding of love.
Learn About Child Wellness Campuses in Upcoming Training
The Department of Children and Youth (DCY) invites professionals and stakeholders to register for an upcoming training session focused on the development of Child Wellness Campuses. This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed rule changes and examine their implications for policy, licensing, systems, and practices. It will also outline the statewide rollout plan for Child Wellness Campuses across Ohio.
It is highly recommended that individuals and organizations that may be highly involved with their community’s Child Wellness Campus participate in this session. Examples of these individuals include but are not limited to public children services agencies (PCSA) administrators and staff, juvenile court staff, County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD), Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Boards (ADAMH), Family and Children First Councils (FCFC), OhioRISE Care Management Entities (CME), and community providers.
To register, scan the QR code on the flyer or use this link.
Children Services Rule Updates
The following rules were effective November 6, 2025, and have been posted to the Official Letters & Guidance | Department of Children and Youth (Transmittal Letter 52). These rules were rescinded under their previous rule numbers at the five-year rule review and updated to question-and-answer format for increased clarity.
- OAC 5180:3-1-23 “Case records for children services” outlines PCSA requirements for maintaining case records.
- OAC 5180:3-1-26 “The County Memorandum of Understanding to Address Child Abuse and Neglect” outlines PCSA requirements for preparing and submitting the county memorandum of understanding (MOU) for compliance review.
Children Services Five-Year Rule Review
Residential Care: 5180:2-9-42
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one residential care rule, in accordance with Ohio law.
This rule establishes the standards that residential facilities certified by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth must meet to operate as Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs). The rule requires facilities to implement trauma-informed treatment models, maintain licensed clinical staff, support family involvement, and provide discharge planning and aftercare services. These requirements ensure that facilities accepting children for placement deliver consistent, high-quality care that aligns with federal guidelines.
If you would like to review the existing rule and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by December 8, 2025.
Supportive Services: 5180:2-40-10
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one supportive services rule, in accordance with Ohio law.
This rule establishes the Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator (OhioKAN) program, which provides personalized support to kinship caregivers and post-adoptive families across the state. The program helps families identify and access services such as financial assistance, legal aid, health care, and educational resources to promote stability and well-being. By connecting caregivers with tailored community support, OhioKAN aims to strengthen family units and improve outcomes for children in kinship and adoptive placements.
If you would like to review the existing rule and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by December 8, 2025.
Administrative Rule: 5180:2-33-07
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one administrative rule, in accordance with Ohio law.
This rule allows public children services agencies (PCSAs) to delegate certain responsibilities by contracting with other local entities. Specifically, this rule permits PCSAs to enter into agreements with county departments of job and family services, mental health and addiction services boards, developmental disabilities boards, and regional councils of governments to carry out specified child welfare duties. These contracts must clearly outline the responsibilities being delegated and ensure that all services are delivered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
If you would like to review the existing rule and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by December 8, 2025.
Adoption Rule: 5180:2-48-10
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of one adoption rule, in accordance with Ohio law.
This outlines restrictions for agencies providing adoption services, focusing on mandatory criminal background checks for prospective adoptive parents and adult household members. This rule requires that adoption agencies request criminal records checks from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for all prospective adoptive parents and any adult living in their household. These checks must include information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure a comprehensive review of each individual's criminal history.
If you would like to review the existing rule and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by December 8, 2025.
Administrative Rules: 5180:2-33-03, 5180:2-33-11, 5180:2-33-13 and 5180:2-33-70
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of four administrative rules, in accordance with Ohio law.
Ohio’s child welfare regulations include several key provisions that promote fairness, accountability, and secure data practices. Agencies must have clear procedures for handling discrimination complaints related to race, color, or national origin in foster care and adoption. They are also required to comply with federal standards that prohibit delaying or denying placements based on these characteristics. To maintain integrity in the adoption process, agencies must investigate and report any suspected falsification of documents or statements during homestudy evaluations. Additionally, access to the statewide child welfare information system is strictly limited to authorized personnel and purposes, ensuring that sensitive data is used appropriately and protected under confidentiality laws.
If you would like to review the existing rules and offer feedback and suggestions, please complete this form by December 8, 2025.
Title IV-E Foster Care Maintenance Rules: 5180:2-47-01, 5180:2-47-08, 5180:2-47-10, 5180:2-47-11, 5180:2-47-26, 5180:2-47-26.1 and 5180:2-47-26.2
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) is currently undertaking a five-year review of seven Title IV-E foster care maintenance rules, in accordance with Ohio law.
Ohio’s foster care funding regulations begin by establishing the core objectives of the Title IV-E Foster Care Maintenance (FCM) program: minimizing reliance on substitute care, enhancing service quality, and ensuring timely reunification or permanent placement for children.
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