ODJFS Releases New COVID-19 Guidance

ODJFS has released its first Procedure Letter allowing for compliance flexibilities since the State of Emergency was lifted in June of 2021. The Department was recently able to obtain additional guidance from the Federal Children’s Bureau, and released Family, Children, and Adult Services Procedure Letter No. 382 which provides updated guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Flexibility in following requirements will be permitted:

• Foster Home Capacity

• Foster Care Training

• CPR and First Aid Training for Residential Agencies

It also allows PCSAs and Title IV-E courts to utilize videoconferencing between a child or parent and caseworker in limited situations and timeframes where the public health crisis makes it impossible or unsafe to meet face-to-face.

Keep in mind that this guidance is specific to agency interactions with families affected by COVID-19. More information can be found here.