AA

Adoption Assistance. An individual entitlement providing financial assistance to special needs children who meet the eligibility requirements in Chapter 5101:2-47 of the Administrative Code and have been placed for adoption or are living with parents who have legally adopted them.(OAC)

Abandoned child

A child whose parents have failed to visit or maintain contact with the child for more than 90 days, regardless of whether the parents resume contact with the child after that period. (OAC. See section2151.011 of the Revised Code.)

ACV

Alleged child victim. A child suspected of being abused or neglected. (OAC)

Address

A location where a person or organization may be communicated with in writing. It generally includes street prefix, house number, street name, street suffix, directional codes, and additional identifying information such as apartment number, suite number, floor, rear/front, and so on.

Adjudicatory hearing

A hearing held by the juvenile court to determine whether a child is a juvenile traffic offender, delinquent, unruly, abused, neglected, or dependent or otherwise within the jurisdiction of the court or whether temporary or legal custody should be converted to permanent custody. (OAC)

Administrative director or administrator

The person designated by the governing body of an agency who is responsible for the management and administration of the agency. (OAC)

Adopted child or person

A person whose legal relationship with his or her biological parents was terminated, through permanent surrender or court order, and a new legal relationship has been established with an adoptive family.

Adopted person or child

A person whose legal relationship was terminated with his or her biological parents, through permanent surrender or court order, and a new legal relationship has been established with an adoptive family. (OAC)

Adoption

The creation, by a court of competent jurisdiction, of parental rights and responsibilities between a child and an adult, along with the termination of all parental rights and responsibilities to the child held by any other persons, which have not been previously surrendered or terminated by court order. (OAC) Also, the placement of the child into a family home and the creation, by a court of competent jurisdiction, of parental rights and responsibilities between the child and adults in the family. (SIS)

Adoption Assistance

Adoption Assistance, also referred to as AA. An individual entitlement providing financial assistance to special needs children who meet the eligibility requirements in Chapter 5101:2-47 of the Administrative Code and have been placed for adoption or are living with parents who have legally adopted them.(OAC)

Adoption file

The file maintained by the department of health under section 3705.12 of the Revised Code. (OAC)

Adoption finalization

An order of the court issued pursuant to section 3107.14 of the Revised Code terminating all parental rights and responsibilities of a biological or other legal parent and creating the relationship of parent and child between the petitioner and the adopted person/child. (OAC)

Adoption promotion and support services

Services and activities designed to encourage more adoptions out of the substitute care system, when adoptions promote the best interests of children, including such activities as pre- and post-adoptive services and activities designed to expedite the adoption process and support adoptive families. (OAC)

Adoptive parent

A person who adopted a child. (OAC) Also, a person with the legal relation of parent to a child not related by birth, with the same mutual rights and obligations that exist between children and their birth parents. The legal relationship has been finalized. (federal)

Adoptive placement

The permanent placement of a child for adoption, including any action resulting in a final adoption decree. (OAC)

AFCARS

Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System.

AFSA

A PCSA or PCPA which has a signed ADOPTOhio contract with ODJFS. (OAC)

After-hours

Times other than the normal business day, Monday through Friday, pursuant to policies as set forth by the PCSA. After-hours also includes weekends and holidays. (OAC)

Age

Age calculated in years at the time of the report of abuse or neglect or as of December 31 of the reporting year.(federal)

Agency

A Public Children Services Agency (PCSA), a Private Child Placing Agency (PCPA) or Private Noncustodial Agency (PNA) certified by ODJFS.  In addition to the OAC definition, any public agency that ODJFS has an agreement with to provide child welfare services (including IV-E). (OAC)

Agency file

One of two data files submitted to National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Statistics (NCANDS) on a periodic basis. Contains aggregate child abuse data which cannot be derived from the case-level information in the Child File, such as response time to reports of abuse and provision of preventive services. (federal)

Agreement for temporary custody of child

For the purposes of accepting temporary custody of a Native American (Indian) child shall mean when implementing rules contained in Chapter 5101:2-42 of the Administrative Code any action in which the parent or Indian custodian voluntarily transfers custody of an Indian child to an agency for temporary placement in a foster home or children's residential center or the home of a guardian, where parental rights such as the privileges of reasonable visitation, consent to adoption, the privilege to determine the child's religious or Indian affiliation, and the responsibility for support cannot be terminated. The parent or Indian custodian may revoke an agreement for temporary custody of the child at any time and the child must be returned. (OAC)

AKA

\"Also known as,\" a second name by which a person is known.

Alaska Native

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Alaksa and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. (Federal)

Alert

A special display that notifies a worker of a critically important condition that exists, such as danger to a worker or a child AWOL from placement.  An alert does not have a work item/due date; rather it is associated with information that needs to be conveyed to a SACWIS user for a specified condition or period of time. (OAC)

Allegation

A described set of circumstances which asserts the occurrence of child abuse or neglect or dependency. (OAC)

Alleged victim

Child about whom a report regarding maltreatment has been made to a CPS Children Services Board (CSB) agency. (Federal)

Alternative response system

A maltreatment disposition system used in some States that provides for responses other than \"Substantiated,\" \"Indicated,\" and \"Unsubstantiated.\" In such a system, investigations may or may not have maltreatment victims; children may or may not be determined to be maltreatment victims. Such a system may be known as a \"diversified\" system or an \"in need of services\" system. (Federal)

American Indian

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. (Federal)

Anonymous report source

An individual who reports a suspected incident of child maltreatment without identifying himself or herself; or the type of reporter is unknown. (Federal) Also, an unidentified person making a report of alleged child abuse or neglect. (OAC)

AP

Alleged perpetrator. The individual suspected of being responsible for the abuse or neglect of the child.  Federal - An individual who is alleged to have caused or knowingly allowed the maltreatment of a child as stated in an incident of child abuse or neglect. (OAC)

Applicant

A person who has filed an application form with ODJFS to operate an agency regulated by Chapter 5101:2-5 of the Administrative Code, or a person who has completed an ODJFS 01691 \"Application for Child Placement\" to become a foster caregiver and who has submitted the application to an agency pursuant to Chapters 5101:2-5 and 5101:2-7 of the Administrative Code. An applicant does not include a person who is currently certified as a foster caregiver and who is applying to become a specialized foster caregiver with the same agency with which the person is currently affiliated as a certified foster caregiver. (OAC)

Approved adoptive home

A home in which the family has been studied, evaluated and approved by the PCSA, PCPA or PNA for the adoptive placement of a child. (OAC)

ASFA

Adoption And Safe Families Act . Signed into law November 1997 and designed to improve the safety of children, to promote adoption and other permanent homes for children who need them, and to support families. The law requires CPS agencies to provide more timely and focused assessment and intervention services to the children and families that are served within the CPS system. (federal)

Asian

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian sub-continent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam. (Federal)

Assessment

A comprehensive family assessment and/or risk assessment as defined by this rule. (OAC) Also, a process by which the CPS agency determines whether the child and/or other persons involved in the report of alleged maltreatment is in need of services. (Federal)

Assessor

For the purposes of foster care or adoption, an individual who meets the requirements outlined in section 3107.014 of the Revised Code.

At risk of institutionalization

Unless the child's medical condition, and/or functional abilities and/or environment are maintained or improved, the child would require placement in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded in order to maintain their health and safety. (OAC)

ATC

Agreement For Temporary Custody. A voluntary agreement that is authorized by section 5103.15 of the Revised Code and that transfers the temporary custody of a child to a PCSA or a PCPA. (OAC)

Attorney

A person who has been admitted to the bar by order of the Ohio Supreme Court. (OAC)

Authorization of Release form

The form prescribed by the department of health under division (A)(2) of section 3107.50 of the Revised Code to be used by the birth parent to authorize the release of information related to the child. (OAC)

Authorized user

A user of Ohio SACWIS who has the security profile that allows him or her to enter information into the SACWIS system.

BCI & I

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. analyzes DNA, ballistics and other physical evidence and field agents respond to crime scenes and assist local law-enforcement agencies with their investigations. BCI&I is home to the state's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which contains the prints of millions along with their corresponding criminal histories, and the electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification (eSORN) database.

BCII

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, (also BCII) analyzes DNA, ballistics and other physical evidence and field agents respond to crime scenes and assist local law-enforcement agencies with their investigations. BCI&I is home to the state's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which contains the prints of millions along with their corresponding criminal histories, and the electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification (eSORN) database.

Biological parent

The birth mother or father of the child rather than the adoptive or foster parent or the stepparent. (Federal)

Birth parent

The biological parent of an adopted person and any child they gave birth to. (OAC)

Birth sibling

A biological sibling of an adopted person. (OAC)

Black or African American

A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. (Federal)

Board of Directors

Or board of trustees or governing body or governing board means the body of persons who are empowered by an organization's articles of incorporation, constitution, regulations, or statute to operate an agency and which may or may not have proprietary interest in the agency. (OAC)

Boarder

Any adult, except the natural, adopted or former foster children of the caregiver, living in the foster home who is unrelated to the caregiver and who pays the caregiver in legal tender or in kind for room and/or board. (OAC)

BPC

See business partners committee.

Branch office

A location of an agency having an address separate from the main or primary location of the agency where any or all of the certified functions of the agency may be conducted. (OAC)

Bureau of Automated Systems

One of six bureaus within the OCF, consisting of business staff responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and support of FACSIS, FAPT and SACWIS. The bureau chief of automated systems serves as the business project manager for the SACWIS project and the bureau staff make up the business component of the project team.

Business Partners Committee

A committee formed to assist the SACWIS Project in the definition, validation and prioritization of the functional requirements.  The primary focus of the BPC has been functional requirements gathering and analysis and their work has resulted in the development of Ohio's System Requirements Document (SRD).

CA/N

Child abuse/neglect. An allegation of child abuse or neglect made orally or in writing. It is one specific type of referral. Refer to Ohio Revised Code. (OAC)

Caller

See Reporter.

CAPTA

See Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Caregiver

A person who provides the direct day-to-day care of a child during his placement in substitute care. (OAC)  A person responsible for the care and supervision of the child who was reported as an alleged victim. (Federal)

Caretaker

A person with whom the child resides or the person responsible for the child's daily care. This includes, but is not limited to, the parent, guardian, custodian or out-of-home care setting employee. (OAC) Also, a person responsible for the care of the child. (Federal)

CASA

See court-appointed special advocate.

Case

Comprised of members for the purpose of providing, recording, supervising services.

Case closure

The process of ending the relationship between the CPS worker and the family that often involves a mutual assessment of progress. Optimally, cases are closed when families have achieved their goals and the risk of maltreatment has been reduced or eliminated. (Federal)

Case disposition

A determination, which includes a report disposition, as to whether or not abuse or neglect has occurred or is occurring. (OAC)

Case evaluation

The analysis of social, environmental and interactional information gathered during the assessment/investigation of child abuse or neglect for the purpose of making a report disposition/resolution, and developing a case plan, when necessary. (OAC)

Case management services

Are activities performed by the PCSA or PCPA for the purpose of providing, recording and supervising services to a child and his parent, guardian, custodian, caretaker or substitute caregiver. (OAC)

Case plan

A written document that is developed by the PCSA or PCPA which identifies strengths of the family, concerns to be resolved and supportive services to be provided which will result in ensuring permanence for the child. (OAC)  The casework document that outlines the outcomes, goals, and tasks necessary to be achieved in order to reduce the risk of maltreatment. (Federal)

Case planning

The stage of the CPS case process where the CPS caseworker develops a case plan with the family members. (Federal)

Case record

The permanent written documentation of the provision of social services to families and children that has an open case with the PCSA. (OAC)

Case reference person

The case participant who is considered the head of the household. The case reference person (CRP) provides the Case Name and may only be named as the CRP on one case.

Case resolution

The analysis of social, environmental and interactional information gathered during the comprehensive family risk assessment regarding the degree of future risk of harm to a child. Case resolution also includes a case disposition when an incident of child abuse or neglect is alleged. (OAC)

Case status

The PCSA's determination, recorded on the child abuse and neglect central registry, reflecting whether the child has been abused or neglected. The case status does not substantiate, indicate or unsubstantiate the identity of an alleged perpetrator. (OAC)

Case-level data

Data submitted by the states in the child file containing individual child or report maltreatment characteristics. (Federal)

Casework services

Those services performed or arranged by the PCSA or PCPA to manage the progress, provide supervision and protection of the child and his parent, guardian or custodian. (OAC)

Caseworker

A PCSA, PCPA or PNA staff person who is responsible for provision of protective services or supportive services to the child and his parent, guardian, custodian or substitute caregiver. (OAC) A staff person assigned to a report of child maltreatment at the time of the report disposition. (Federal)

Caseworker competency

Demonstrated professional behaviors based on the knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and values a person holds. (Federal)

Central Registry

A centralized database containing information on all substantiated/founded reports of child maltreatment in a selected area (typically a state). (Federal)

Central Registry Report

The report of an incident of alleged child abuse or neglect submitted by the PCSA to ODJFS to determine whether prior reports have been made in other counties concerning the child or other principals of the case. (OAC)

Certificate

A document prescribed by ODJFS issued pursuant to Chapter 5103. Of the Revised Code authorizing an agency to perform specific functions or authorizing a foster caregiver to care for children. (OAC)

Certified foster home

A foster home operated by persons holding a certificate in force, issued under section 5103.03 of the Revised Code. (OAC)

Certified organization

Pursuant to section 5153.01 of the Revised Code, any organization that  holds a certificate to receive and care for children, or place children in private homes that is in full force and effect, issued under sections 5103.03 to 5103.05 of the Revised Code. (OAC)

Champion

A person who actively \"markets\" organizational change through active, verbal and visible support; prioritizes commitment to change; role models the new behavior; provides compelling reasons for change and vocalizes the benefits of the change. A champion gives recognition to new behavior.

Change agent

A person who creates collaboration, disseminates information, removes barriers, accelerates change, drives to accomplish organizational goals and moves an organization toward a named vision and mission.

Change management

For the Ohio SACWIS, change management refers to promoting and fostering the awareness, acceptance, and implementation of SACWIS, and of corresponding changes in business process and workflows.  It is a systematic approach to managing cultural and organizational change.

Chemical dependency

Pursuant to section 2151.3514 of the Revised Code, means either of the following:  (1) The chronic and habitual use of alcoholic beverages to the extent that the user no longer can control the use of alcohol or endangers the user's health, safety, or welfare or that of others; or  (2) The use of a drug of abuse, as defined in section 3719.011 of the Revised Code, to the extent that the user becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the drug or endangers the user's health, safety, or welfare or that of others. (OAC)

Chemical restraint

Any substance given to a child to subdue or restrict movement or behavior as punishment or for staff convenience. Chemical restraint is prohibited by ODJFS. (OAC)

Child

Any person under eighteen years of age or a mentally or physically handicapped person under twenty-one years of age. (OAC) A person less than 18 years of age or considered to be a minor under State law. (Federal)

Child Abuse and Neglect Memorandum of Understanding

Groups organized to provide prevention, identification, diagnosis, treatment and/or consultation on child abuse and neglect. (OAC)

Child Abuse and Neglect State Grant

Funding to the states for programs serving abused and neglected children, awarded under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). May be used to assist states in intake and assessment; screening and investigation of child abuse and neglect reports; improving risk and safety assessment protocols; training child protective service workers and mandated reporters; and improving services to disabled infants with life-threatening conditions. (Federal)

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

(CAPTA) Federal legislation [42 U.S.C. 5101 Et Seq.] Amended and reauthorized in 1996 that provides the foundation for Federal involvement in child protection and child welfare services. The 1996 Amendments provide for, among other things, annual State data reports on child maltreatment to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (Federal)

Child and Family Services Review

(CFSR) A review conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to review State child and family service programs to ensure conformance with the requirements in Titles IV-B and IV-E of the SSA and to assess states for substantial conformity with certain federal requirements for child protective, foster care, adoption, family preservation and family support, and independent living services. The Children's Bureau, part of DHHS, is administering the review system. The goal of the reviews is to help states to improve child welfare services and achieve the following outcomes for families and children who receive services. These new reviews, CFSRs, mark the first time federal officials have tried to measure how well children are faring across the state systems created to protect them.

Child care staff

Any employee, volunteer or college intern whose duties involve the direct face-to-face care of children for more than twenty per cent of the duties specified on the individual's job description. (OAC)

Child day care

Pursuant to Chapter 5104. Of the Revised Code means administering to the needs of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians, or relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption for any part of the twenty-four hour day in a place or residence other than a child's own home. (OAC)

Child day care center

A person with a temporary caregiver responsibility, but who is not related to the child such as a day care center staff member, a family day care provider, or a baby-sitter. Does not include persons with legal custody or guardianship of the child. (Federal)

Child death review team

A State team of professionals who review all reports surrounding the death of a child. This is only related to children who have an open case at the time of their death. (Federal)

Child file

The data file submitted to NCANDS on a periodic basis that contains detailed case data about children who are the subject of an investigation or assessment. (Federal)

Child identifier (ID)

A unique identification assigned to each child. This identification is not the State child identification but is an encrypted identification assigned by the State for the purposes of the NCANDS data collection. (Federal)

Child in treatment foster care

A child who has been placed in a specialized foster home due to one or more special or exceptional needs as described in rule 5101:2-47-18 of the Administrative Code that substantially interferes with or limits the child's functioning in family, school, or community activities. (

Child Protection Oversight and Evaluation (CPOE)

As used in rule 5101:2-57-02 of the Administrative Code means the administration of a wide range of services identified through the risk assessment process and/or the family assessment process. The program can include the provision of protective services, in-home supportive services, out-of-home care services and adoption services coordinated and delivered on behalf of a child who has come to the attention of the PCSA. (OAC)

Child Protective Services (CPS)

The designated social services agency (in most States) with the responsibility for child protective services and activities to receive reports, investigate, and provide intervention and treatment services to children and families in which child maltreatment has occurred. Frequently, this agency is located within larger public social service agencies, such as Departments of Social Services. (Federal)

Child Protective Services (CPS) supervisor

The manager of the caseworker assigned to a report of child maltreatment at the time of the report disposition. (Federal)

Child Protective Services (CPS) worker

The person assigned to a report of child maltreatment at the time of the report disposition. (Federal)

Child Protective Services (CPS) workforce

The CPS supervisors and workers assigned to handle a child maltreatment report. May include other administrative staff as defined by the State Agency table of organization. (Federal)

Child record

A case-level record in the child file containing the data associated with one child in one given report. (Federal)

Child service plan

A goal-oriented, time-limited, individualized program of action for a child and the family, specific to the child's placement in a particular facility and separate from the case plan as required by Chapters 5101:2-5 and 5101:2-39 of the Administrative Code, developed by the placement facility in cooperation with the custody holding agency or individual. (OAC)

Child stealing

The illegal removal of a child from the parent, guardian or custodian who has legal custody. (OAC)

Child study inventory

The comprehensive written account developed by a PCSA or PCPA that compiles information about a child in the custody of an agency. (OAC)

Child victim

A child for whom an incident of abuse or neglect has been substantiated or indicated by an investigation or assessment. A State may include some children with alternative dispositions as victims. (Federal)

Child's living arrangement

The home environment, for example, family or substitute care, in which the child was residing at the time of the report. (Federal)

Children Services Agency

Any agency or organization in another state which has assumed the administration of the child welfare function prescribed in its respective state statute. (OAC)

Children's Bureau

Federal agency within the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for the collection and analysis of NCANDS data. (Federal)

Children's Protective Services

A term used to describe a wide range of social services coordinated and delivered on behalf of a child who is at risk, or is being or has been abused or neglected. (OAC)

Children's residential center

A facility in which eleven or more children, including the children of any staff residing at the facility, are given nonsecure care and supervision twenty-four hours a day. (OAC)

Clearance

The process of clearing a person.

Clearing

The searching for prior agency involvement during intake.

Client

An individual for whom services are being provided, recorded, or supervised.

Closed with no finding

Disposition that does not conclude with a specific finding because the investigation could not be completed for such reasons as: the family moved out of the jurisdiction; the family could not be located; or necessary diagnostic or other reports were not received within required time limits. (Federal)

Co-parents

Adult individuals, related or unrelated, who live together in the same household and share parenting responsibilities. (OAC)

COB

Close of business.

Collateral source

A person who provides or documents information concerning child abuse or neglect. This does not include a caseworker or screener who is taking the report of child abuse or neglect or the referent who made the initial report. (OAC)

Community education service

A range of public information activities designed to increase the public's awareness of child abuse or neglect and to promote appropriate utilization of services. (OAC)

Community-Based Family Resource And Support Grant

Grant provided under Section 210 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) that assists States to prevent child abuse and neglect and promote positive development of parents and children by developing, operating, expanding, and enhancing a network of community-based, prevention-focused, family resource and support programs that coordinate resources among a broad range of human service organizations. (Federal)

Compact State

A state, U. S. Commonwealth, possession or trust territory which is a signatory to the interstate compact on the placement of children (ICPC). (OAC)

Comparable requirement

A nationally recognized accreditation organization's standard that equals or exceeds Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) requirements. (OAC)

Comprehensive family assessment

An ongoing exchange of information between worker, family and collaterals to determine the strengths of the family and the degree of risk and intervention necessary to keep a child safe. It organizes and categorizes information that focuses on the management of future risk or maltreatment and is constantly being revised during the life of the case. (OAC)

Concurrent planning

Identifies alternative forms of permanency by addressing both reunification or legal permanency with a new parent or caregiver if reunification efforts fail. (Federal)

Contact person, State

The State person with the responsibility to provide information to the NCANDS. (Federal)

Corrective action

Action taken to correct or remediate situations which were identified as being the cause of a child abuse or neglect incident. (OAC)

Counseling

(1) general counseling services performed by a Public Children Services Agency (PCSA) or shelter for victims of domestic violence to assist a child, a child's parents, and a child's sibling in alleviating identified problems that may cause or have caused the child to be an abused, neglected, or dependent child; and (2) psychiatric or psychological therapeutic counseling services provided to correct or alleviate any mental or emotional illness or disorder and performed by a licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or person licensed under chapter 4754. Of the revised code to engage in social work or professional counseling. (OAC)

County of report

The geopolitical jurisdiction within a State from which originated the report of child maltreatment. The unique identification number assigned to the county under the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) guidelines is preferred. (Federal)

County of residence

The geopolitical jurisdiction within a State of the United States in which the child subject of a report was residing at the time of the report. The unique identification number assigned to the county under the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) guidelines is preferred. (Federal)

Court action

Legal action initiated by a representative of the CPS agency on behalf of the child. This includes authorization to place the child, filing for temporary custody, dependency, or termination of parental rights. It does not include criminal proceedings against a perpetrator. (Federal)

Court order of priority placement

A court order prepared by an Ohio judge or a judge in another state, which designates that a specific child's interstate placement shall be made on a priority basis in order to meet the special needs of the child and to expedite the procedures between agencies and states involved in the child's placement across state lines. (OAC)

Court-appointed representative

A person appointed by the court to represent a child in a neglect or abuse proceeding. May be an attorney or a court-appointed special advocate (or both) and is often referred to as a guardian ad litem. The representative makes recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the child. (Federal)

Court-appointed special advocate

(CASA) A volunteer guardian ad litem appointed by the court who is responsible for: researching the background of assigned child abuse, neglect and dependency cases; representing the child's best interests; speaking for the child in all hearings, reviews and other relevant case activities; monitoring the child during the life of the case; and advocating for a safe and permanent home for the child. (OAC) Adult volunteers trained to advocate for abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court. (Federal)

Court-authorized

Also known as duly authorized is the established ongoing approval by a juvenile court, granting the PCSA permission to remove a child who is at imminent risk when time does not permit obtaining a court order or assistance from law enforcement. (OAC)

CPOE

See Child protection oversight and evaluation

CPS

See Child Protective Services

Criminal justice personnel

See law enforcement personnel.

Criminal records check

Any criminal records check conducted by the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation (BCII) pursuant to section 109.572 of the Revised Code. (OAC)

CRIS-E

Client Registry Information System - Enhanced (the Title IV-A system for Ohio).

Crisis nursery

An emergency facility designed to prevent the occurrence of abuse or neglect by assuming immediate child-care responsibility on behalf of caretakers who are experiencing a crisis. (OAC)

Crisis services

Services provided to families in crisis situations for the purpose of providing an immediate or temporary solution to the presenting problem. (OAC)

CRP

Case reference person

CSB

Children Services Board

Cultural competency

The understanding of culture as a system of values, beliefs, attitudes, traditions, and standards of behavior that govern the organization of people into social groups and regulate both group and individual behaviors. (OAC) A set of attitudes, behaviors, and policies that integrates knowledge about groups of people into practices and standards to enhance the quality of services to all cultural groups being served. (Federal)

Custodian

A person who has legal custody of a child or a PCSA or PCPA that has permanent, temporary, or legal custody of a child. (OAC)

Day camp

A nonfacility-based program in the outdoors that provides children with creative, recreational, and educational experiences in group living in a single-site natural environmental area. (OAC)

Day treatment services

Services provided for a portion of the day for a child, living at home or in substitute care, who is at risk, or is being or has been abused or neglected, and who manifests emotional, psychological, behavioral, or social problems which cannot be resolved in nonspecialized educational or developmental settings, or in specialized settings such as learning behavioral disabilities classes. (OAC)

Delinquent child

Any child:  (1) Who violates any law of this state or the United States, or any ordinance or regulation of a political subdivision of the state, that would be a crime if committed by an adult, except as provided in section 2151.021 of the Revised Code; or (2) Who violates any lawful order of the court, made under Chapter 2151. Of the Revised Code; or  (3) Who violates division (A) of section 2923.211 of the Revised Code. (OAC)

Denial or authorization to release form

(1) the section of the ODJFS 01693, \"Ohio law and adoption materials\" prescribed under division (a) (1)(b) of section 3107.083 of the revised code where the birth parent checked the \"no\" space provided in that section; or (2) the form prescribed under division (a) (1) of section 3107.50 of the revised code. (OAC)

Dependency

See Dependent child.

Dependent child

Any child: (1) Who is homeless or destitute or without adequate parental care, through no fault of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian; or (2) Who lacks adequate parental care by reason of the mental or physical condition of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian; or (3) Whose condition or environment is such as to warrant the state, in the interests of the child, to assume the child's guardianship; or (4) To whom both of the following apply: (a) The child is residing in a household in which a parent, guardian, custodian, or other member of the household committed an act that was the basis for an adjudication that a sibling of the child or any other child who resides in the household is an abused, neglected, or dependent child; and (b) Because of the circumstances surrounding the abuse, neglect or dependency of the sibling or other child and the other conditions in the household of the child, the child is in danger of being abused or neglected by that parent, guardian, custodian, or member of the household. (OAC) (See section 2151.04 of the Revised Code.)

Deserted child

A child whose parent has voluntarily delivered the child to an emergency medical service worker, peace officer, or hospital employee without expressing an intent to return for the child and who, pursuant to sections 2151.3516 and 2151.3517 of the revised code, is less than seventy-two hours old and has no apparent signs of abuse or neglect. (OAC)

Detention

The temporary care of children pending court adjudication or disposition, or execution of a court order, in a public or private facility designed to physically restrict the movement and activities of children. (OAC) (See section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.)

Developmental delay

See Developmental disability.

Developmental disability

A severe, chronic disability that is characterized by all of the following: (1) It is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments, other than a mental or physical impairment solely caused by mental illness as defined in division (A) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code. (2) It is manifested before age twenty-two. (3) It is likely to continue indefinitely. (4) It results in one of the following: (a) In the case of a person under age three, at least one developmental delay or an established risk; (b) In the case of a person at least age three but under age six, at least two developmental delays or an established risk; (c) In the case of a person age six or older, a substantial functional limitation in at least three of the following areas of major life activity, as appropriate for his age: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and, if the person is at least age sixteen, capacity for and economic self-sufficiency. (5) It causes the person to need a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or other type of care, treatment, or provision of services for an extended period of time that is individually planned and coordinated for the person. (OAC) (See section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.)

Diagnostic services

Medical, psychiatric, or psychological services performed by a licensed physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed professional counselor with clinical endorsement, or a licensed independent social worker for the purpose of evaluating an individual's current physical, emotional, or mental condition. (OAC)

Differential response

An area of CPS reform that offers greater flexibility in responding to allegations of abuse and neglect. Also referred to as \"dual track\" or \"multi-track\" response, it permits CPS agencies to respond differentially to children's needs for safety, the degree of risk present, and the family's needs for services and support. See \"dual track.\" (OAC)

Direct placement

The placement of a child by the parent, guardian or legal custodian of the child, including by court order, with the participation and agreement of an agency, into an out-of-home care setting operated or supervised by the agency, with the parent, guardian or legal custodian retaining legal custody of the child. (OAC)

Disabled infant

A child less than one year of age who has a physical or mental handicap which substantially limits or may limit in the future one or more major life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, and mobility. (OAC)

Disbursement

To record the date payment was submitted (from a specific fund). It is to record when payment was actually disbursed.

Disposition

See investigation disposition.

Dispositional hearing

Pursuant to sections 2151.35 through 2151.355 and 2151.414 of the Revised Code, means a hearing held by the juvenile court to determine what action shall be taken concerning a child who is within the jurisdiction of the court. (OAC) Held by the juvenile and family court to determine the disposition of children after cases have been adjudicated, such as whether placement of the child in out-of-home care is necessary and what services the children and family will need to reduce the risk of maltreatment and to address the effects of maltreatment. (Federal)

Disruption

The unplanned interruption of a substitute care placement of a child which requires the transfer of the child to a subsequent substitute care placement setting before the goals of the child's case plan are achieved. (OAC)

Domestic violence

Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury to a family or household member, or placing a family or household member by threat of force in fear of imminent physical harm. (OAC) (See  section 3113.33 of the Revised Code.)

Domestic violence services

The provision of direct assistance to victims of domestic violence and their dependents for the purpose of preventing further violence and may include but not be limited to: meals, transportation, housing, referral services, legal advocacy, children's counseling and support services and other services to victims of domestic violence and their dependents. (OAC)

DRC

Dynamics Research Corporation, the State's partner in Ohio SACWIS development.

Dual track

New CPS response systems that typically combine a nonadversarial service-based assessment track for cases where children are not at immediate risk with a traditional CPS investigative track for cases where children are unsafe or at greater risk for maltreatment. See \"differential response.\" (Federal)

Education personnel

Employees of a public or private educational institution or program; includes teachers, teacher assistants, administrators and others directly associated with the delivery of educational services. (Federal)

Educational/vocational assistance

Counseling and other similar assistance related to educational and vocational training, preparation for a general equivalency diploma (GED) or for higher education, job readiness, job search assistance, and placement program.  (OAC)

Effective denial of release form

A denial of release of information form that has not been rescinded by an authorization of release of information form.(OAC) (See division (B) of section 3107.46 of the Revised Code.)

ELC

See Executive leadership committee.

Emergency

A situation where there is reason to believe that a child is threatened or alleged to be abused, neglected or dependent to an extent that there is imminent risk to a child's life, physical or mental health, or safety. (OAC)

Emergency caretaker services

Services provided by a person placed within a child's own home to act as a temporary caretaker when the child's own caretaker is unable or unwilling to fulfill the responsibility. (OAC)

Emergency medical service worker

A first responder, emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, or paramedic. (OAC)

Emergency shelter

The short-term crisis placement of any child who is threatened or alleged to be abused, neglected, or dependent to an extent that there is imminent risk to the child's life, physical or mental health, or safety. (OAC)

Emergency shelter care facility

A group home for children, a children's residential center (CRC), or a portion of a CRC, which is certified to provide temporary emergency nonsecure care for children. (OAC)

Emotional/psychological maltreatment

Type of maltreatment that refers to acts or omissions, other than physical abuse or sexual abuse, that caused, or could have caused, conduct, cognitive, affective, or other mental disorders. Includes emotional neglect, psychological abuse, mental injury. Frequently occurs as verbal abuse or excessive demands on a child's performance. (Federal)

Employment and training services

Services designed to assist individuals in obtaining paid employment. Such services may include, but not be limited to, the use of social, psychological, and vocational diagnostic assessment, training, and placement. (OAC)

Environmental management services

Services offered to the child and his family or caretaker to improve physical living conditions and provide emergency funds. Such services may be provided, arranged, or ensured and may include, but not be limited to, housing repair, housing location, exterminating rodents or insects, lead abatement or making available financial assistance for outstanding utility bills. (OAC)

Evaluation of family progress

The stage of the CPS case process where the CPS caseworker measures changes in family behaviors and conditions (risk factors), monitors risk elimination or reduction, assesses strengths, and determines case closure. (Federal)

Ex parte emergency order

An order issued by a juvenile judge or a designated referee initiated and obtained by one party where other parties have not had advance notice and the opportunity to be heard prior to the issuance of the order authorizing the taking of a child into custody. (OAC) (See section 2151.31 of the Revised Code.)

Executive leadership committee

An advisory panel of representatives from the local county agencies, public children services advocacy organization and senior departmental leadership to guide the development and implementation of a new child welfare system for Ohio. (OAC)

FACSIS

See Family and Children Services Information System.

Family

A group of people related by blood or circumstances who may rely upon one another for sustenance, support, security, and/or socialization. (OAC)

Family and Children Services Information System

(FACSIS) The automated information system managed by ODJFS. (OAC)

Family assessment

The stage of the child protection process when the CPC caseworker, community treatment provider, and the family reach a mutual understanding regarding the behaviors and conditions that must change to reduce or eliminate the risk of maltreatment, the most critical treatment needs that must be addressed, and the strengths on which to build. (Federal)

Family decision making model

A strength based/family centered model used to determine the safety and protection of the child throughout the life of a case and consists of the following parts: family risk assessment, safety assessment, safety planning, case planning and Semiannual Administrative Reviews (SAR), case reviews and reunifications. (OAC)

Family foster home

A foster home that is not a specialized foster home. (OAC)

Family group fostering

A family meeting model used by CPS agencies to optimize family strengths in the planning process. This model brings the family, extended family, and others important in the family's life (e.g., friends, clergy, neighbors) together to make decisions regarding how best to ensure safety of the family members. (Federal)

Family preservation services

Services for children and families designed to help families (including adoptive and extended families) at risk or in crisis, including: (1) service programs designed to help children: return to their families from which they have been removed, if determined to be safe and appropriate; or be placed for adoption, or with a guardian; or if adoption or guardianship is determined not to be safe and appropriate for a child, in some other planned permanent living arrangement; (2) preplacement preventive services programs, such as intensive family preservation programs, designed to help children at risk of substitute care placement remain safely with their families; (3) service programs designed to provide follow-up care to families to whom a child has been returned after a substitute care placement;(4) respite care of children to provide temporary relief for parents and other caregivers (including foster caregivers); and (5) services designed to improve parenting skills (by reinforcing parents' confidence in their strengths, and helping them to identify where improvement is needed and to obtain assistance in improving those skills) with respect to matters such as child development, family budgeting, coping with stress, health, and nutrition. (OAC)  Also, activities designed to protect children from harm and to assist families at risk or in crisis, including services to prevent placement, to support the reunification of children with their families, or to support the continued placement of children in adoptive homes or other permanent living arrangements. (Federal)

Family risk assessment matrix

An assessment tool which identifies and organizes information needed to predict risk of abuse/neglect throughout the life of the case. It is the first component of the family decision making model. (OAC)

Family support services

Community-based services to promote the safety and well-being of children and families, which are designed to increase the strength and stability of families (including adoptive, foster, and extended families), to increase parents' confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, to afford children a safe, stable and supportive family environment, and otherwise to enhance child development. (OAC)  Also, community-based preventive activities designed to alleviate stress and promote parental competencies and behaviors that will increase the ability of families to nurture their children successfully, enable families to use other resources and opportunities available in the community, and create supportive networks to enhance childrearing abilities of parents. (Federal)

Family unity model

A family meeting model used by CPS agencies to optimize family strengths in the planning process. This model is similar to the Family Group Conferencing model. (Federal)

Fatality

Death of a child as a result of abuse or neglect, because either: (a) an injury resulting from the abuse or neglect was the cause of death; or (b) abuse and/or neglect were contributing factors to the cause of death. (Federal)

FCM

See Foster care maintenance.

Federal Information Processing Standards

The federally defined set of county codes for all States. (Federal)

Final decree of adoption

Includes an interlocutory order of adoption that has become final. (OAC)

Final report

The official written findings of the structured quality assurance review for the child protection and permanency program. (OAC) (See rule 5101:2-57-02.)

FIPS

See Federal Information Processing Standards.

Forwarding

A request from another agency for services, whether within the state or from outside the state.

Foster care

Twenty-four-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the State Agency has placement and care responsibility. This includes family foster homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, child care institutions, and pre-adoptive homes regardless of whether the facility is licensed and whether payments are made by the State or local agency for the care of the child, or whether there is Federal matching of any payments made. Foster care may be provided by those related or not related to the child. All children in care for more than 24 hours are counted. (OAC)

Foster care for medically fragile children

Treatment services from a foster caregiver for children whose intensive health care needs cannot be met in their own home. Foster care for medically fragile children focuses rehabilitative services on medically fragile children and their families with the primary location of treatment in a medically fragile foster home. (OAC)

Foster care maintenance

An individual entitlement for financial assistance for board and care of children who meet the eligibility requirements contained in of the Administrative Code, who are in the placement and care of a Title IV-E agency and are in an approved substitute care placement. (OAC) (See Chapter 5101:2-47.)

Foster caregiver

A person holding a valid foster home certificate that has been issued by ODJFS. (OAC)

Foster child

A child who is placed in a foster home and who is not the natural or adopted child or other legal ward of the foster caregiver. (OAC)

Foster home

A private residence in which children are received apart from their parents, guardian, or legal custodian, by an individual reimbursed for providing the children nonsecure care, supervision, or training twenty-four hours a day. \"foster home\" does not include care provided for a child in the home of a person other than the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian while the parent, guardian, or legal custodian is temporarily away. Family foster homes, preadoptive infant foster homes and specialized foster homes are types of foster homes. (OAC)

Foster parent

An individual licensed to provide a home for orphaned, abused, neglected, delinquent, or disabled children, usually with the approval of the government or a social service agency. May be a relative or a nonrelative. (Federal)

Friend

A nonrelative acquainted with the child, the parent, or caregiver including landlords, clergy, or youth group workers (for example, Scouts, Little League coaches). (Federal)

FTE

See full-time equivalent.

Full disclosure

CPS information given to the family regarding the steps in the intervention process, the requirements of CPS, the expectations of the family, the consequences if the family does not fulfill the expectations, and the rights of the parents to ensure that the family completely understands the process. (Federal)

Full-time equivalent

A computed statistic representing the number of full-time employees if the number of hours worked by part-time employees had been worked by full-time employees. (Federal)

Geographical designation

An area or region that can be designated to a worker

Group home

A public or private facility which provides placement services for children and is licensed, regulated, approved, operated under the direction of, or otherwise certified as a group home by the Department of Job and Family Services, the department of education, a local board of education, the department of youth services, the department of mental health, a county board of mental health, the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, a county board of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, or a political subdivision. (OAC) Also, a nonfamilial 24-hour care facility which may be supervised by the State Agency or governed privately. (Federal)

Group home for children

Any facility, public or private, which meets all of the following criteria: (1) Gives a maximum of ten children, including the children of the operator or any staff who reside in the facility, nonsecure care and supervision twenty-four hours a day for hire, gain, or reward by a person or persons who are unrelated to such children by blood or marriage, or who is not the appointed guardian of such children. Any individual who provides care for children from only a single-family group, placed there by their parents or other relative having custody, shall not be considered as being a group home for children: (2) Is not certified as a foster home; and (3) Receives or cares for children for two or more consecutive weeks. (OAC) (See Chapter 5101:2-5.)

Guardian

Means a person, association, or corporation that is granted authority by a probate court pursuant to Chapter 2111. Of the Revised Code to exercise parental rights over a child to the extent provided in the court's order and subject to the residual parental rights of the child's parents. (OAC)

Guardian ad litem

A guardian appointed by the juvenile court to represent and protect the best interest of an alleged or adjudicated abused, neglected, or dependent child. Also, see court-appointed representative. (OAC)

Habilitation

The process by which the staff of a mental retardation institution assists a resident to acquire and maintain those life skills which enable him to cope more effectively with the demands of his own person and of his environment and to the level of his physical, mental, social, and vocational efficiency. Habilitation includes, but is not limited to, programs of formal structured education and training. (OAC)

Handicapped person

An individual who is mentally and/or physically handicapped. (OAC)

Health care facility

Any public or private hospital or institution that offers maternity services, or services to premature disabled infants, or services to disabled newborns. (OAC)

Health care facility designee

The person named by the health care facility to act as the contact with the PCSA in all cases when there is an allegation that a disabled infant with life-threatening conditions is a neglected child due to the withholding of appropriate nutrition, hydration, medication, or medically indicated treatment. (OAC) (See division (A) of section 2151.03 of the Revised Code

Health care facility review committee

An infant care review committee, an institutional bioethics committee, or another entity established to deal with medical, legal, and ethical dilemmas arising in the care of patients within a health care facility. (OAC)

Health care professional

Any physician as defined in this rule or a registered or licensed practical nurse who holds a valid license issued under Chapter 4723. Of the Revised Code. (OAC)

Hire, gain or reward

Any form of compensation made available to the person providing care and supervision to a child. (OAC)

Hispanic ethnicity

A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Also see Race. (Federal)

Hold Status

An action taken by a PCSA or PCPA to exclude requests for OAPL matches. (OAC)

Home assessment

An assessment to determine whether a caretaker minimally meets the basic needs of a child.

Home health aid services

The personal care and maintenance activities provided to individuals for the purpose of promoting normal standards of health and hygiene. (OAC)

Home study

The process by which a home provider (or ODJFS provider) completes the necessary tasks to become approved or certified by the agency. These include activities like provider training, assessment visits, home descriptions, references, and so on.

Home visitation programs

Prevention programs that offer a variety of family-focused services to pregnant mothers and families with new babies. Activities frequently encompass structured visits to the family's home and may address positive parenting practices, nonviolent discipline techniques, child development, maternal and child health, available services, and advocacy. (Federal)

Homemaker services

The professionally directed or supervised simple household maintenance or management services provided by trained homemakers or individuals to families in their own homes. (OAC)

Hospital

A hospital or part of a hospital or inpatient unit administered by a community mental health center licensed by the department of mental health under section 5119.20 of the Revised Code, and any institution, hospital, or other place established, controlled, or supervised by the department under. (OAC) (See Chapter 5119 of the Revised Code.)

Hospital employee

Any of the following persons: (1) a physician who has been granted privileges to practice at the hospital (2) a nurse, physician assistant, or nursing assistant employed by the hospital (3) an authorized person employed by the hospital who is acting under the direction of a physician that has been granted privileges to practice at the hospital. (OAC)

Hotline/answering service

A communication system which allows child abuse or neglect reports to be received twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. (OAC)

Household

A private residence including the members of the family living therein and/or unrelated individuals living in the same residence and sharing common living areas. (OAC)

ICAMA

See Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance.

ICPC

See Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

Identifying information

As used in adoption means any of the following with regard to a person: first name, last name, maiden name, alias, social security number, address, telephone number, place of employment, number used to identify the person for the purpose of the statewide education management information system established, and any other number federal or state law requires or permits to be used to identify the person. (OAC) (See section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code.)

Imminent risk

A situation in which a child's life, mental or physical health, or safety is in immediate danger of abuse or neglect. (OAC)

Immunity

Established in all child abuse laws to protect reporters from civil law suits and criminal prosecution resulting from filing a report of child abuse and neglect. (Federal)

In-home services

A range of supportive services provided to children and families in their own homes. (OAC)

Independent interstate placement

The act of placing a child, by his parents or nonagency legal guardian, across state boundaries into placement for foster care or placement for adoption. (OAC)

Independent living

An arrangement in which a child age sixteen years or older resides and is partially or fully responsible for his individual living environment. (OAC)

Independent living arrangement

Any living environment provided by an agency which includes service programs and activities to assist youth sixteen years of age and older to make the transition from substitute care to independent living. (OAC)

Indian foster home

For the purpose of placing A Native American (Indian) child pursuant to rules contained in chapter 5101:2-42 of the administrative code means a home licensed, approved, or specified by the Indian child's tribe, whether on or off the reservation, or an Indian foster home certified by the Department of Job and Family Services or another state agency with such authority. (OAC)

Indicate or reason to suspect

An investigation disposition that concludes that maltreatment cannot be substantiated under State law or policy, but there is reason to suspect that the child may have been maltreated or was at risk of maltreatment. This is applicable only to States that distinguish between \"Substantiated\" and \"Indicated\" dispositions. (Federal)

Indicated report

A report to the central registry in which there is circumstantial, or other isolated indicators of child abuse or neglect lacking confirmation; or a determination by the caseworker that the child has been abused or neglected based upon completion of an assessment/investigation. (OAC)

Infant

Any child from birth to eighteen months of age. (OAC)

Information and referral services

Services which may assist any person in locating and/or using available and appropriate resources. (OAC)

Information/referral

See Information and referral services.

Initial assessment or investigation

The stage of the CPS case process where the CPS caseworker determines the validity of the child maltreatment report, assesses the risk of maltreatment, determines if the child is safe, develops a safety plan if needed to assure the child's protection, and determines services needed. (Federal)

Initial report

A report of alleged child abuse or neglect supplied to the PCSA. (OAC)

Institution for children

For the purpose of placing a Native American (Indian) child pursuant to requirements contained in Chapter 5101:2-42 of the Administrative Code, means an institution approved by an Indian tribe or operated by an Indian organization which has a program suitable to meet the Indian child's needs. (OAC)

Intake

A function of the PCSA through which reports of alleged child abuse or neglect are received, screened, and prioritized. (OAC) Also, the activities associated with the receipt of a referral, the assessment or screening, the decision to accept, and the enrollment of individuals or families into services. (Federal)

Intake log

The Intake Log is a record that contains all intakes received by a PCSA. It provides a historical record of intake screening decisions.

Intake workload

A list of all intakes received by a PCSA until intake assignment occurs or no further action is necessary. It provides navigation to various functions such as intake screening, case linking, case creation and case assignment.

Intentionally false

\"Unsubstantiated\" investigation disposition about which it has been concluded that the person reporting the alleged incident of maltreatment knew that the allegation was not true. (Federal)

Interlocutory order of adoption

An order of the court issued pursuant to section 3107.14 of the Revised Code which automatically becomes a final decree of adoption upon the date specified in the order. (OAC)

Interstate children's protective services referral

An out-of-state report concerning alleged, indicated, or substantiated child abuse or neglect made or accepted by a PCSA. (OAC)

Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance

An interstate compact which formalizes cooperation among party states and provides the standardized procedures for arranging for medical assistance and services for adopted special needs children and their families when there is a state adoption assistance agreement or a federal adoption assistance agreement in effect. (OAC)

Interstate placement

The arrangement made by a sending agency, for the care of a child to be sent from Ohio to another state or from another state into Ohio, which care is to be provided by a foster home, home of a parent or parents, relative home, child-care institution, or adoptive home. This definition does not include any of the following types of placements. (1) Placements into a facility caring for the mentally ill, mentally retarded or developmentally disabled; a facility that is primarily educational in nature; or a hospital or other medical facility. (2) The sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state by his parent, stepparent, grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult uncle or aunt, or nonagency legal guardian, and leaving the child with any such relative or nonagency legal guardian in the receiving state. (3) Placement of a child across state lines by a court as an incident to a divorce. (4) Placement of a child into Ohio for a period of time not exceeding thirty calendar days, if the sending agency, when the sending agency is other than a parent or nonagency legal guardian, shall have notified the agency in the county where the child will be visiting: (a) That the child will be visiting; (b) The child's date of arrival; and (c) The anticipated length of the child's visit.  (5) Placement of a child who is subject to an agreement for temporary custody. (OAC)

Interview protocol

A structured format to ensure that all family members are seen in a planned strategy, that community providers collaborate, and that information gathering is thorough. (Federal)

Intrastate Children's Protective Services Referral

A report concerning alleged, indicated, or substantiated child abuse and neglect made by one Ohio PCSA to another Ohio PCSA for the purpose of requesting the provision of protective services. (OAC)

Investigation

A fact-finding process which includes interviews, observations, and other forms of information gathering. Information collected during the investigation provides data upon which to make a case resolution/disposition regarding a report of alleged child abuse or neglect. (OAC) Also, the gathering and assessment of objective information to determine if a child has been or is at risk of being maltreated. Generally includes face-to-face contact with the victim and results in a disposition as to whether the alleged report is substantiated or not. (Federal)

Investigation disposition

A determination made by a social service agency that evidence is or is not sufficient under State law to conclude that maltreatment occurred. (Federal)

Investigation disposition date

The point in time at the end of the investigation/ assessment when a CPS worker declares a disposition to the child maltreatment report. (Federal)

Investigation start date

The date when CPS initially contacted or attempted to have face-to-face contact with the alleged victim. If this face-to-face contact is not possible, the date would be when CPS initially contacted any party who could provide information essential to the investigation or assessment. (Federal)

Items of identification

Include a motor vehicle driver's or commercial driver's license, an identification card issued under sections 4507.50 to 4507.52 of the Revised Code, a marriage application, a social security card, a credit card, a military identification card, or an employee identification card. (OAC)

JAD

Joint application design.

Juvenile and family courts

Established in most States to resolve conflict and to otherwise intervene in the lives of families in a manner that promotes the best interest of children. These courts specialize in areas such as child maltreatment, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, divorce, child custody, and child support. (Federal)

Juvenile court petition

A legal document filed with the court of original jurisdiction overseeing matters affecting children. The petition typically requests that the court take action regarding the child's status as a result of an investigation. Usually, a petition requests that the child be declared a dependent or delinquent child, or that the child be placed in an out-of-home setting. (Federal)

Key stakeholders

Users of the proposed SACWIS system and levels of management in a county, agency, or ODJFS who manage large groups of people using the system, for example, a large metropolitan County or those identified as key influencers in the implementation of SACWIS.

Kin

Includes the following: (1) individuals related by blood or adoption: (a) parents, grandparents, including grandparents with the prefix \"great\", \"great-great\", \"grand\", or \"great-grand\"; (b) siblings; (c) aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces, including such relative with the prefix \"great,\" \"great-great,\" or \"great-grand;\" (d) cousins and first cousins once removed. (2) stepparents and stepsiblings; (3) spouses and former spouses of individuals named in paragraph (1) of this definition. (4) any nonrelative adult the current custodial caretaker or child identifies as having a familiar and long-standing relationship/bond with the child and/or the family which will ensure the child's social and cultural ties. (OAC)

Kinship care

Formal child placement by the juvenile court and child welfare agency in the home of a child's relative. (Federal)

Knowledge base

A web site location that contains up to the minute detailed \"how to\" articles on SACWIS functionality. The articles and information provided on the knowledge base provides guidance and answers to frequently asked questions from Ohio SACWIS users.

Latino ethnicity

See Hispanic ethnicity. Also, see Race.

Law enforcement personnel

People employed by a local, State, tribal, or federal justice agency including law enforcement, courts, district attorney's office, probation or other community corrections agency, and correctional facilities. (Federal)

Legal custody

A legal status that vests in the custodian the right to have physical care and control of the child and to determine where and with whom the child shall live, and the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the child and to provide the child with food, shelter, education, and medical care, all subject to any residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities. An individual granted legal custody shall exercise the rights and responsibilities personally unless otherwise authorized by any section of the revised code or by the court. (OAC)

Legal guardian

Adult person who has been given legal custody and guardianship of a minor. (Federal)

Legal personnel

See Law enforcement personnel.

Liaison

The designation of a person within an organization who has responsibility for facilitating communication, collaboration, and coordination between agencies involved in the child protection system. (Federal)

Licensing authority

The governmental body which is responsible for carrying out a department's licensing and regulatory functions, including monitoring compliance with applicable state laws and departmental rules by agencies, individuals, organizations, facilities, or other service providers licensed or certified by that body. (OAC)

Life book

A record of the child's life which helps identify events in child's past, including what happened during the period when he was in agency care. The record shall include a chronological listing of such events and relationships in the child's life. Photographs may be used to depict events in the life book. (OAC)

Life skills services

A series of developmentally appropriate services or activities that provide an opportunity for a child to gain the skills needed to live a self-sufficient adult life. (OAC) (See rule 5101:2-42-19,)

Life-threatening condition

Any condition in which a disabled infant would die unless medical or corrective surgical treatment is provided. (OAC)

Linkage and practice

Coordination with other components of the independent living program. (OAC)

Living arrangement

See Child's living arrangement.

Living unit

(1) a group home; or (2) individual houses or cottages, with a capacity of no more than twenty children, each of which contain bedrooms, bathrooms, living room or lounge, and may contain a kitchen or designated eating area; or (3) a floor or specific parts of a floor with a capacity of no more than twenty children and which contains bedrooms, bathrooms, living room or lounge, other activity space as required by rule 5101:2-9-26 of the administrative code, and may contain a kitchen or designated eating area. (OAC)

Long-term care services

Medicaid funded, institutional or community-based, medical, health, psycho-social, habilitative, rehabilitative, and/or personal care services which may be provided to eligible individuals. (OAC)

Maltreatment

An act or failure to act by a parent, caregiver, or other person as defined under State law which results in physical abuse, neglect, medical neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child. (Federal)

Maltreatment type

A particular form of child maltreatment determined by investigation to be substantiated or indicated under State law. Types include physical abuse, neglect or deprivation of necessities, medical neglect, sexual abuse, psychological or emotional maltreatment, and other forms included in State law. (Federal)

Management information system

The electronic method of arranging client, case and service data for storage and retrieval. (Federal)

Mandated reporter

Any person who is required to report alleged child abuse or neglect. (OAC) (See section 2151.421.) Also, individuals required by State statutes to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities (usually CPS or law enforcement agencies). Mandated reporters typically include professionals, such as educators and other school personnel, health care and mental health professionals, social workers, childcare providers, and law enforcement officers. Some States identify all citizens as mandated reporters. (Federal)

Mechanical restraint

Any device used to prevent or restrict movement as punishment or for staff convenience. Mechanical restraint is prohibited by ODJFS. (OAC)

Medicaid

Medicaid falls under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, and is the nation's major program for providing health and long-term care coverage to low-income people.

Medical consultant

A licensed, board-certified, and practicing pediatrician or neonatologist. (OAC)

Medical diagnosis

The evaluation of a child examined by a licensed physician to determine if abuse or neglect is medically indicated. (OAC)

Medical neglect

A type of maltreatment caused by failure by the caregiver to provide for the appropriate health care of the child although financially able to do so, or offered financial or other means to do so. (Federal)

Medical personnel

People employed by a medical facility or practice, including physicians, physician assistants, nurses, emergency medical technicians, dentists, chiropractors, coroners, and dental assistants and technicians. (Federal)

Medically fragile child

A person from birth through twenty-one years of age who has intensive health care needs that can be met in a medically fragile foster home. (OAC)

Medically fragile foster caregiver

A person who has been specifically trained and certified to provide foster care and other services for medically fragile children placed in the caregiver's medically fragile foster home. (OAC) (See rules 5101:2-5-20 to 5101:2-5-37 and 5101:2-7-02 to 5101:2-7-17.)

Medically fragile foster home

A foster home that provides specialized medical services designed to meet the needs of children with intensive health care needs who meet all of the following criteria:  (1) under rules adopted by the department of job and family services governing payment under chapter 5111. Of the revised code for long-term care services, the children require a skilled level of care. (2) the children require the services of a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine at least once a week due to the instability of their medical conditions. (3) the children require the services of a registered nurse on a daily basis. (4) the children are at risk of institutionalization in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded. (OAC)

Mental illness

A substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. (OAC)

Mental injury

Any behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorder in a child caused by an act or omission and is committed by the parent or other person responsible for the child's care. (OAC) (See section 2919.22 of the Revised Code.)

Mental retardation

The condition of significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficiencies in adaptive behavior, manifested during the developmental period. (OAC)

Mental retardation institute

A tax-supported facility under the jurisdiction of the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, a county mental retardation program, or any other facility in which a mentally retarded person may be placed by a court. (OAC) (See section 5123.76 of the Revised Code.)

Mentally handicapped

The condition of mental retardation and/or mental illness. (OAC)

Mentally health personnel

People employed by a mental health facility or practice, including psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and so on. (Federal)

Mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order

Pursuant to section 5122.01 of the Revised Code means a mentally ill person who, because of his illness: (1) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to himself as manifested by evidence of threats of, or attempts at, suicide or serious self-inflicted bodily harm; (2) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to others as manifested by evidence of recent homicidal or other violent behavior, evidence of recent threats that place another in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm, or other evidence of present dangerous behavior; (3) Represents a substantial and immediate risk of serious physical impairment or injury to himself or others as manifested by evidence that he is unable to provide for and is not providing for his basic physical needs or the needs of his dependent children because of his mental illness and that appropriate provision for such needs cannot be immediately made available in the community; or (4) Would benefit from treatment in a hospital for his mental illness and is in need of such treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that creates a grave and imminent risk to substantial rights of others or himself. (OAC)

Mentally retarded person

Pursuant to means a person having significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficiencies in adaptive behavior, manifested during the developmental period. (OAC) (See section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.)

Mentally retarded person subject to institutional by court order

A person age eighteen or older who is at least moderately mentally retarded and, because of his retardation, either of the following conditions exist: (1) the person represents a substantial risk of physical impairment or injury to himself or others as manifested by evidence that he is unable to provide for and is not providing for his most basic physical needs or the needs of his dependent children and that provision for such needs is not available in the community; or (2) the person needs and is susceptible to significant habilitation in an institution. (OAC)

Mentor

An individual who is specifically trained and assigned to a child or family to assist the child or family deal with or learn to deal with day-to-day living situations. (OAC)

MEPA/IEPA

Multi-Ethnic Placement Act/Inter-Ethnic Placement Act.

Merge administrator

Agency employee who performs the function of merging two or more duplicate person records. (OAC)

Multidisciplinary team

Established between agencies and professionals within the child protection system to discuss cases of child abuse and neglect and to aid in decisions at various stages of the CPS case process. These terms may also be designated by different names, including child protection teams, interdisciplinary teams, or case consultation teams. (Federal)

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

- A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. (Federal)

NCANDS

The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System.

Neglect

The failure to provide for the child's basic needs. Neglect can be physical, educational, or emotional. Physical neglect can include not providing adequate food or clothing, appropriate medical care, supervision, or proper weather protection (heat or coats). Educational neglect includes failure to provide appropriate schooling, special educational needs, or allowing excessive truancies. Psychological neglect includes the lack of any emotional support and love, chronic inattention to the child, exposure to spouse abuse, or drug and alcohol abuse. (Federal)

Neglect or deprivation of necessities

A type of maltreatment that refers to the failure by the caregiver to provide needed, age-appropriate care although financially able to do so or offered financial or other means to do so. (Federal)

Neglected child

Any child: (1) Who is abandoned by the child's parents, guardian, or custodian. (2) Who lacks adequate parental care because of the faults or habits of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian. (3) Whose parents, guardian, or custodian neglects the child or refuses to provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical or surgical care or treatment, or other care necessary for the child's health, morals, or well being. (4) Whose parents, guardian, or custodian neglects the child or refuses to provide the special care made necessary by the child's mental condition.  (5) Whose parents, legal guardian, or custodian have placed or attempted to place the child in violation of sections 5103.16 and 5103.17 of the Revised Code. (6) Who, because of the omission of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian, suffers physical or mental injury that harms or threatens to harm the child's health or welfare. (7) Who is subject to out-of-home care child neglect.  Nothing in Chapter 2151. Of the Revised Code shall be construed as subjecting a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child to criminal liability when, solely in the practice of religious beliefs, the parent, guardian, or custodian fails to provide adequate medical or surgical care or treatment for the child. (OAC) (See section 2151.03 of the Revised Code.)

Noncaregiver

A person who is not responsible for the care and supervision of the child, including school personnel, friends, and neighbors. (Federal)

Noncompact state

A state, U. S. Commonwealth, possession or trust territory which is not a signatory to the interstate compact on the placement of children.  (OAC)

Nonidentifying information

As used in adoption means any information that is not identifying information, including all of the following: (1) a birth parent's age at the time the birth parent's child is adopted; (2) the medical and genetic history of the birth parents; (3) the age, sex, and medical and genetic history of an adopted person's birth siblings and extended family members; (4) a person's heritage and ethnic background, education level, general physical appearance, religion, occupation, and cause of death; (5) any information that may be included in a social and medical history as specified in divisions (b) and (c) of section 3107.09 of the revised code. (OAC)

Nonparent

Includes Other Relative, Foster Parent, Residential Facility Staff, Child Day Care Provider, Substitute Care Provider, Unmarried Partner of Parent, Legal Guardian, and Other. (Federal)

Nonrelative

For the purposes of selecting a substitute care setting for the placement of a child means an individual identified by the current custodial caretaker or child as having a familiar and longstanding relationship with the child or the family. (OAC)

Nonsecure care, supervision, training

Care, supervision, or training of a child in a facility that does not confine or prevent movement of the child within the facility or from the facility. (OAC)

Not substantiated

Investigation disposition that determines that there is not sufficient evidence under State law or policy to conclude that the child has been maltreated or is at risk of being maltreated. (Federal)

Notification

Internal or external notices (electronic or paper) of an action that has been completed (such as a report disposition).  Notifications do not have associated work items or a due date - they are advices of events.  The only exception is notification of upcoming events to non-SACWIS users, such as notifying family members of an upcoming family team conference.  In this case, electronic (email) or paper notices are generated for work items that are coming due and forwarded to the non-SACWIS participant; usually a record is retained in SACWIS of the date and form of notification.

OAC

See Ohio Administrative Code.

OAPL

A recruitment tool which features a listing and description of Ohio's children available for adoption and approved adoptive families in Ohio through FACSIS. (OAC)

OAPL matches

A listing of information which describes the characteristics of children available for adoption and links them with characteristics and preferences of approved adoptive families. (OAC)

OCF

Office of Children and Families.

ODJFS

See Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. (OAC)

OFC

Office of Families and Children

OHC

Out-of-home care.

Ohio Department of Human Services

The Ohio Department of Human Services merged with the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services on July 1, 2000, to form the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). ODJFS develops and oversees programs that provide health care, employment and economic assistance, child support and services to children and families.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

The Ohio Department of Human Services merged with the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services on July 1, 2000, to form the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). ODJFS develops and oversees programs that provide health care, employment and economic assistance, child support and services to children and families.

Ohio Revised Code

Law.

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993

In 1993, the federal government enacted legislation to authorize and match State funds to create comprehensive child welfare systems.  The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA 93) provided Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for Statewide automated child welfare information systems (SACWIS) to carry out the State's programs under Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act.

Ongoing evaluation

The continual analysis and self appraisal of a PCSA in participation with ODJFS. (OAC) (See  rule 5101:2-57-02.)

ORC

See Ohio Revised Code.

Organization

Any institution, public, semipublic, or private, and any private association, society, or agency located or operating in the state, incorporated or unincorporated, having among its functions the furnishing of protective services or care for children, or the placement of children in foster homes or elsewhere. (OAC)

Organizational assessment

A factual, investigative, comprehensive, and objective appraisal of how an organization is managed.  Some sample areas an assessment might include: leadership, vision, culture, communications, and training.

Out-of-court contact

Contact, which is not part of the actual judicial hearing, between the court-appointed representative and the child victim. Such contacts enable the court-appointed representative to obtain a first-hand understanding of the situation and needs of the child victim, and to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the child. (Federal)

Out-of-home care

Detention facilities, shelter facilities, foster homes, certified foster homes, placement in a prospective adoptive home prior to the issuance of a final decree of adoption, organizations, certified organizations, child day-care centers, type A family day-care homes, child-day care provided by type B family day-care home providers and by in-home aides, group home providers, group homes, institutions, state institutions, residential facilities, residential care facilities, residential camps, day camps, hospitals, and medical clinics that are responsible for the care, physical custody, or control of children. (OAC) Also, child care, foster care, or residential care provided by persons, organizations, and institutions to children who are placed outside their families, usually under the jurisdiction of juvenile or family court. (Federal)

Out-of-home care child abuse

Any of the following when committed by a person responsible for the care of a child in out-of-home care: (1) engaging in sexual activity with a child in the person's care; (2) denial to a child, as a means of punishment, of proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or other care necessary for a child's health ; (3) use of restraint procedures on a child that cause injury or pain; (4) administration of prescription drugs or psychotropic medication to the child without the written approval and ongoing supervision of a licensed physician; (5) commission of any act, other than by accidental means, that results in any injury to or death of the child in out-of-home care or commission of any act by accidental means that results in an injury to or death of a child in out-of-home care and that is at variance with the history given of the injury or death. (OAC)

Out-of-home care child neglect

Any of the following when committed by a person responsible for the care of a child in out-of-home care: (1) failure to provide reasonable supervision according to the standards of care appropriate to the age, mental and physical condition, or other special needs of the child. (2) failure to provide reasonable supervision according to the standards of care appropriate to the age, mental and physical condition, or other special needs of the child, that results in sexual or physical abuse of the child by any person. (3) failure to develop a process for all of the following: (a) administration of prescription drugs or psychotropic drugs for the child. (b) assuring that the instructions of the licensed physician who prescribed a drug for the child are followed. (c) reporting to the licensed physician who prescribed the drug all unfavorable or dangerous side effects from the use of the drug. (4) failure to provide proper or necessary subsistence, education, medical care, or other individualized care necessary for the health or well-being of the child. (5) confinement of the child to a locked room without monitoring by staff. (6) failure to provide ongoing security for all prescription and nonprescription medication. (7) isolation of a child for a period of time when there is substantial risk that the isolation, if continued, will impair or retard the mental health or physical well-being of the child. (OAC)

Out-of-home care facility

See out-of-home care setting.

Out-of-home care setting

A detention facility, shelter facility, foster home, prefinalized adoptive placement, certified foster home, approved foster care, organization, certified organization, child day-care center, type A family day-care home, type B family day-care home, group home, institution, state institution, residential facility, residential care facility, residential camp, day camp, hospital, medical clinic, children's residential center, public or nonpublic school, or respite home that is responsible for the care, physical custody, or control of a child. (OAC)

Out-of-home perpetrator report

A report to the PCSA alleging a criminal act against a child of assault or sexual activity when the alleged perpetrator: (1) Is not a member of the alleged child victim's family; (2) Has no sanctioned or continued access to the alleged child victim;(3) Has no relationship with the alleged child victim; and (4) Is not involved in daily or regular out-of-home care for the alleged child victim. (OAC) (See Chapter 2907 of the Revised Code.)

Outreach

Establishment of a system of outreach which would encourage children and families to participate in services; and develop community organizational efforts and ongoing support networks for children and families. (OAC)

Parens patriae doctrine

Originating in feudal England, a doctrine that vests in the State a right of guardianship of minors. This concept has gradually evolved into the principle that the community, in addition to the parent, has a strong interest in the care and nurturing of children. Schools, juvenile courts, and social service agencies all derive their authority from the State's power to ensure the protection and rights of children as a unique class. (Federal)

Parent

The birth mother/father, adoptive mother/father, or step mother/father of the child. Also, a person responsible for the care of the child. (Federal)

Parent Aide Services

Those supportive services provided by a person assigned to families as a role model, and to provide family support for a portion of the twenty-four-hour day. (OAC)

Parent education

A teaching process to assist a parent, guardian, or custodian in developing the basic skills necessary to provide adequate care and support to a child in his own home. (OAC)

Parental rights

The authority of a child's parents to make all decisions regarding his care and control including, but not limited to, the determination of where and with whom he shall live and the right to protect, train, and discipline him and provide him with food, shelter, education, and medical care. (OAC)

PASSS

Post-Adoption Special Services Subsidy

PCSA

See Public Children Services Agency.

PDQA

Bureau of Professional Development and Quality Services,

Peace officer

A sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer of a township or joint township police district, marshal, deputy marshal, municipal police officer, or a state highway patrol trooper. (OAC)

Permanency plan

Shall have the same meaning as the case plan. (OAC)

Permanent surrender action

As used in Indian child welfare rules contained in Chapter 5101:2-42 of the Administrative Code means any voluntary permanent surrender on the part of the parent or Indian custodian resulting in the termination of the residual rights. (OAC)

Permanent alternative placement

A planned placement for a child, when it has been determined he cannot return to his own home, which includes adoption, custody to kin, independent living, or planned permanent living arrangement. (OAC)

Permanent commitment

An order of a juvenile court exercising jurisdiction, which grants permanent custody of a child to a PCSA or PCPA. (OAC) (See section 2151.353, 2151.354, 2151.355, or 2151.414 of the Revised Code.)

Permanent court commitment

As used in Indian child welfare rules, any court action resulting in the termination of the residual rights when it has been proven that reunification of the family will not serve the Indian child's best interests. (OAC) (See Chapter 5101:2-42.)

Permanent custody

A legal status that vests in a PCSA or a PCPA, all parental rights, duties, and obligations, including the right to consent to adoption, and divests the natural parents or adoptive parents of all parental rights, privileges, and obligations, including all residual rights and obligations. (OAC)

Permanent surrender

The act of the parents or, if a child has only one parent, of the parent of a child by voluntary agreement  to transfer the permanent custody of the child to a public children services agency PCSA or private child placing agency PCPA. (OAC) (See section 5103.15 of the Revised Code.)

Perpetrator

The person who has been determined to have caused or knowingly allowed the maltreatment of the child. (Federal)

Perpetrator age at report

Age of an individual determined to have caused or knowingly allowed the maltreatment of a child. Age is calculated in years at the time of the report of child maltreatment. (Federal)

Perpetrator identifier (ID)

A unique, encrypted identification assigned to each perpetrator by the State for the purposes of the NCANDS data collection. (Federal)

Perpetrator relationship

Primary role of the perpetrator with a child victim of maltreatment. (Federal)

Person responsible for a child's care in out-of-home care

Any of the following: (1) any foster caregiver, in-home aide, or provider; (2) any administrator, employee, or agent of any of the following: a public or private detention facility; shelter facility; organization; certified organization; child day-care center; type a family day-care home; certified type b family day-care home; group home; institution; state institution; residential facility; residential care facility; residential camp; day camp; hospital; or medical clinic; (3) any other person who performs a similar function with respect to, or has a similar relationship to, children. Does not include a prospective employee of the department of youth services or a person responsible for a child's care in a hospital or medical clinic other than a children's hospital. (OAC)

Person subject to a criminal records check

Includes the following: (1) a person who is under final consideration for appointment or employment as a person responsible for a child's care in out-of-home care; (2) a prospective adoptive parent; (3) a prospective foster caregiver; (4) a person eighteen years old or older who resides with a prospective foster caregiver. (OAC)

Physical abuse

The inflicting of a nonaccidental physical injury upon a child. This may include, burning, hitting, punching, shaking, kicking, beating, or otherwise harming a child. It may, however, have been the result of over-discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child's age. (Federal)

Physical restraint

A therapeutic holding technique(s) with the intent to minimize or prevent harm when the child has lost control of his actions in such a way as to threaten harm to self, others, or valuable property. Physical restraint shall not be used as a planned intervention until after other less restrictive procedures or measures have been explored and found to be inappropriate. At no time shall physical restraint be used as punishment or for staff convenience. (OAC)

Physically handicapped

The impairment of vision, speech, or hearing; congenital orthopedic impairment, orthopedic impairment caused by disease, or orthopedic impairment from other causes (for example, amputation); impairment caused by chronic or acute health problems (for example, rheumatic fever); or a concomitant of the aforementioned. (OAC)

Physically impaired

Having one or more of the following conditions that substantially limit one or more of an individual's major life activities, including self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, and self-direction(1) a substantial impairment of vision, speech, or hearing; (2) a congenital orthopedic impairment; (3) an orthopedic impairment caused by disease, rheumatic fever or any other similar chronic or acute health problem, or amputation or another similar cause. (OAC)

Physician

An individual licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery by the state medical board or by a comparable body in another state. (OAC)

PIP

Program improvement plan.

Placement for adoption

The arrangement by a PCSA or a PCPA with a person for the care and adoption by that person of a child of whom the agency has permanent custody. (OAC)

Placement for foster care

The arrangement by a PCSA or a PCPA for the out-of-home care of a child of whom the agency has temporary custody or permanent custody.(OAC)

Planned permanent living arrangement

An order of a juvenile court pursuant to which both of the following apply: (1) The court gives legal custody of a child to a PCSA or PCPA without the termination of parental rights; and (2) The order permits the agency to make an appropriate placement of the child and to enter into a written agreement with a foster care provider or with another person or agency with whom the child is placed. (See section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.)  According to section 2151.353 of the Revised Code, planned permanent living arrangement would be considered to meet the best interests of the child when one of the following exists: (1) The child, because of physical, mental, or psychological problems or needs, is unable to function in a family-like setting and must remain in residential or institutional care; (2) The parents of the child have significant physical, mental, or psychological problems and are unable to care for the child because of those problems, adoption is not in the best interest of the child, as determined in accordance with division (d) of section 2151.414 of the revised code, and the child retains a significant and positive relationship with a parent or relative; or (3) The child is sixteen years of age or older, has been counseled on the permanent placement options available to the child, is unwilling to accept or unable to adapt to a permanent placement, and is in an agency program preparing the child for independent living. (OAC)

Post-finalization services

Services provided or arranged by the PCSA, PCPA or PNA to support, maintain and assist an adopted child, adoptive family or birth parent anytime after finalization of an adoption. Also referred to as \"post-finalization adoption services.\" (OAC)

Post-investigation services

Activities provided or arranged by the child protective services agency, social services agency, and/or the child welfare agency for the child/family as a result of needs discovered during the course of the investigation. Includes such services as Family Preservation, Family Support, and foster care provided as a result of the report of alleged child maltreatment, or offered prior to the report and continued after the disposition of the investigation. Postinvestigation services are delivered within the first 90 days after the disposition of the report. (Federal)

Practitioner of behavior science

A certified or licensed social worker, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist competent in the assessment of psychological, developmental, and behavioral disorders of children. (OAC)

Pre-adoptive infant foster home

A foster home for the care of a child who is in the custody of a PCSA or PCPA pursuant to an agreement entered into regarding a child who was less than six months of age on the date the agreement was executed. (OAC) (See section 5103.15 of the Revised Code.)

Preadoptive family

A parent(s) who has signed an adoption placement agreement for which the placement has not been finalized in court. (OAC)

Prefinalization services

Or \"prefinalization adoption services\" means services provided or arranged by the PCSA, PCPA or PNA to support and assist a child and adoptive family from the date of adoptive placement until the issuance of a final decree of adoption. (OAC)

Prefinalized adoptive parent

An adoptive parent with whom a PCSA or PCPA has placed a child for adoption and who has entered into an adoptive placement agreement but for whom an adoption has not been finalized in court. (OAC)

Prefinalized adoptive placement

The placement of a child in an adoptive home with an adoptive placement agreement in effect, for whom the court has not issued a final decree of adoption. (OAC)

Preplacement preventive services

Services designed to alleviate family problems which would otherwise result in the child's removal from the home. (OAC)

Preschool-age child

Any child from three years of age to five years of age.

Preservice training program

A training program designed to provide caregivers with an understanding of the needs of an abused, neglected, or dependent child, or a child with special needs. (OAC)

Preventive services

Activities aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect. Such activities may be directed at specific populations identified as being at increased risk of becoming abusive and may be designed to increase the strength and stability of families, to increase parents' confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, and to afford children a stable and supportive environment. They include child abuse and neglect preventive services provided through Federal funds such as the Child Abuse and Neglect Basic State Grant, the Community-Based Family Resource and Support Grant, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (title IV-B, subpart 2), Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant (title XX), and State and local funds. Such activities do not include public awareness campaigns. (Federal)

Primary prevention

Activities geared to a sample of the general population to prevent child abuse and neglect from occurring. Also referred to as \"universal prevention.\" (Federal)

Principal

See Principals of the report or case.

Principals of the report or case

The alleged child victim, the parent or caretaker, and the alleged perpetrator. (OAC)

Prior victim

A child victim with previous substantiated or indicated incidents of maltreatment. (Federal)

Priority placement

A placement status, based upon the findings by an Ohio court or a court in another state, designating that a specific child's interstate placement shall be made on a priority basis in order to meet the special needs of the child and to expedite the procedures between agencies and states involved in the child's placement across state lines. (OAC)

Private child placing agency

Any association that is certified pursuant to section 5103.03 of the Revised Code to accept temporary, permanent, or legal custody of children and place the children for either foster care or adoption. (OAC) (See section 5103.02 of the Revised Code.)

Private non-custodial agency

Any person, organization, association, or society certified by ODJFS that does not accept temporary or permanent legal custody of children, that is privately operated in this state, and that does one or more of the following: (1) Receives and cares for children for two or more consecutive weeks; (2) Participates in the placement of children in certified foster homes; (3) Provides adoption services in conjunction with a PCSA or PCPA. (OAC)

Professional treatment staff

Specialized foster home program agency employees with responsibility for: (1) providing rehabilitative services to a child placed in a specialized foster home program or to the child's family; (2) conducting homestudies as an assessor for specialized foster homes; (3) providing clinical direction to specialized foster caregivers; and/or (4) supervision of treatment team leaders. Professional treatment staff of a PCPA or a PNA shall be a licensed social worker, a licensed independent social worker, a licensed professional counselor, a licensed professional clinical counselor, a counselor trainee, a certified chemical dependency counselor, a licensed medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy, a licensed psychologist, a licensed psychology assistant or a master's level or registered nurse with responsibility for providing agency services for a child placed in a treatment foster home or a medically fragile foster home. Professional treatment staff of a PCSA who are exempted from the licensing requirements of chapter 4757 of the Revised Code shall meet the requirements of sections 5153.112 and 5153.122 of the code. (OAC)

Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program

Program that provides grants to the States under Section 430, title IV-B, subpart 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended, to develop and expand four types of services: 1) Community-based family support services; 2) Innovative child welfare services, including family preservation services; 3) time-limited reunification services; and 4) Adoption promotion and support services. (Federal)

Prospective employee

A person who is under final consideration for appointment or employment with a PCSA, a PCPA or a PNA as an administrator, caseworker, child care staff or other person in a position responsible for a child's care in out-of-home care, including those directly employed by the agency as well as those under contract with another person or entity. \"Prospective employee\" does not include a prospective foster caregiver. (OAC)

Protective day care services

Services provided for a portion of the twenty-four-hour day for the direct care and protection of children who have been harmed or threatened with harm, or who are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to a psychological or social problem, or physical or mental handicap of a caretaker parent, or whose health or welfare is otherwise jeopardized by their home environment. (OAC)

Protective factors

Strengths and resources that appear to mediate or serve as a \"buffer\" against risk factors that contribute to vulnerability to maltreatment or against the negative effects of maltreatment experiences. (Federal)

Protective services

A term used to describe a wide range of supportive services coordinated and delivered on behalf of children who are in danger of abuse or neglect. (OAC)

Protective services alert

A written document prepared by a PCSA or CSA which contains allegations that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect, and the current whereabouts of the child and caretaker are unknown. (OAC)

Protective supervision

An order of disposition pursuant to which the court permits an abused, neglected, dependent, unruly, or delinquent child, or juvenile traffic offender to remain in the custody of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian and stay in the child's own home, subject to any conditions and limitations upon the child, the child's parents, guardian, or custodian, or any other person that the court prescribes, including supervision as directed by the court for the protection of the child. (OAC)

Protocol

An interagency agreement that delineates joint roles and responsibilities by establishing criteria and procedures for working together on cases of child abuse and neglect. (Federal)

PSUP

Psychological maltreatment

See emotional/psychological maltreatment.

Public Children Services Agency

An entity specified in section 5153.02 of the Revised Code that has assumed the powers and duties of the children services function prescribed by Chapter 5153. Of the Revised Code for a county. (OAC)

Putative father

A man, including one under age 18, who may be a child's father and to whom all of the following apply: (1) He is not married to the child's mother at the time of the child's conception or birth; (2) He has not adopted the child; (3) He has not been determined, prior to the date a petition to adopt the child is filed, to have a parent and child relationship with the child by a court proceeding pursuant to sections 3111.01 to 3111.19 of the Revised Code, a court proceeding in another state, an administrative agency proceeding pursuant to sections 3111.20 to 3111.29 of the Revised Code, or an administrative agency proceeding in another state. (4) He has not acknowledged paternity of the child pursuant to section 2105.18 of the Revised Code. (OAC) (See section 3107.01 of the Revised Code.)

Putative father registry

A registry established and maintained by ODJFS to allow a putative father to register should he wish to be given notice of a petition to adopt a minor he claims as his child. The registry will allow a mother, agency or attorney to search and either confirm or deny if a child has a registered putative father and thus shall be contacted prior to finalization of the adoption. (OAC)

QIP

See Quality Improvement Plan.

Qualified alien

//Need succint definition or reference to legal definition. Current glossary definition is too long for this space.//

Quality assurance review

An examination of a PCSA's performance level on specific outcomes and processes that are to be accomplished through the PCSA's child protection and permanency program and is conducted by ODJFS in participation with the PCSA. (OAC) (See rule 5101:2-57-02.)

Quality improvement plan

A specific plan required by ODJFS which is developed, implemented and completed by a PCSA to address review findings and areas of improvement to enhance the condition of the child protection and permanency program. (OAC)

Race

The primary taxonomic category of which the individual identifies himself or herself as a member, or of which the parent identifies the child as a member. See American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, White, and Unable to Determine. Also, see Hispanic or Latino. (OAC)

Reason to believe

Knowing or suspecting that abuse or neglect of a child is occurring or has occurred. Physical proof or other forms of validation are not required. (OAC)

Reasonable medical judgement

A medical judgment that would be made by a reasonably prudent physician, knowledgeable about the case and the treatment possibilities with respect to the medical conditions involved. (OAC)

Receipt of report

The log-in of a call to the agency from a reporter alleging child maltreatment. (OAC)

Receiving state

A state into which a child is placed by a sending agency. (OAC)

Recommending agency

A PCSA, PCPA or PNA that recommends that ODJFS takes any of the following actions under Section 5103.03 of the Revised Code regarding a foster home: (1) issues a certificate; (2) denies a certificate; (3) renews a certificate; (4) denies renewal of a certificate; or, (5) revokes a certificate. (OAC)

Recruitment

The action and effort by a PCSA, PCPA, or PNA to provide information which will alert the community to the need for foster homes and adoptive homes for children. Recruitment activities by a PCSA, PCPA or PNA must be directed at the general public as well as conducted on an individual basis for specific children. (OAC)

Referent

Source of referral, Also, reporter.

Referral

An allegation of child abuse or neglect made orally or in writing. It includes, but is not limited to, allegations involving individuals, families, and out-of-home care settings. A referral can also be a request for services or dependency with regard to families, individuals, or out-of-care settings. (OAC)

Referral source

See Reporter.

Rehabilitative services

Services provided to a child to assist the child to reacquire and maintain those life skills that may have been lost due to abuse, neglect, dependency or delinquency that enable the child to cope more effectively with the child's personal needs and with the child's environment and in raising the level of the child's physical, mental, social, and vocational efficiency. Rehabilitative services may include, but are not limited to, case management, social skills training, activities of daily living, vocational training, medical services, counseling, psychosocial interventions, social psychotherapy, crisis services, treatment planning, and independent living skills training provided for a child in foster care or the child's family. Rehabilitative services also include any diagnostic assessment conducted to determine the services the child or the child's family need. (OAC)

Relative

Includes the following: (1) individuals related by blood or adoption: (a) parents, grandparents, including grandparents with the prefix \"great\", \"great-great\", \"grand\", or \"great-grand\"; (b) siblings; (c) aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces, including such relative with the prefix \"great,\" \"great-great,\" or \"great-grand;\" (d) first cousins and first cousins once removed. (2) stepparents and stepsiblings; (3) spouses and former spouses of individuals named in paragraph (1) of this definition. (OAC)Also, a person connected to the child by blood, such as parents, siblings, grandparents. (Federal)

Religious coercion

May include, but is not limited to: (1) being required to accompany the foster caregiver or other residents of the family foster home to religious services, but allowed to sit outside the area where the service actually occurs. (2) being given extra chores to perform or being required to read or listen to specific material while others attend religious services. (3) being required to view or listen to specific religiously oriented television, video tapes, or music. (OAC)

Removal date

The month, day, and year that the child was removed from the care and supervision of parents or parental substitutes, during or as a result of an investigation by the child protective services or social services agency. If a child has been removed more than once, the removal date is the first removal in concert with the investigation. (Federal)

Repeat offender

A person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any of the offenses listed in rules contained in Chapters 5101:2-5 and 5101:2-48 of the Administrative Code two or more times in separate criminal actions. Guilty pleas or convictions resulting from or connected with the same act, or from offenses committed at the same time, shall be counted as one conviction or guilty plea. (OAC)

Report

A referral accepted by the PCSA for further investigation or assessment.(OAC) Also, notification to the CPS agency of suspected child maltreatment. This can include one or more children. (Federal)

Report date

The month, day, and year that the responsible agency was notified of the suspected child maltreatment. (Federal)

Report disposition

The determination of whether a report of abuse or neglect has occurred or is occurring. It is part of the case disposition and includes a finding of whether other forms of abuse or neglect that have not been previously assessed/investigated or alleged in the current report have occurred or are occurring. (OAC) Also, the conclusion reached by the responsible agency regarding the report of maltreatment pertaining to the child. (Federal)

Report disposition date

The month, day, and year that a decision was made by the child protective services agency or court regarding the disposition of a report or investigation of alleged child maltreatment. (Federal)

Report identifier

A unique identification assigned to each report of child maltreatment for the purposes of the NCANDS data collection. (Federal)

Report requester

An agency employee who generates necessary reports and notices.

Report source

The category or role of the person who makes a report of alleged maltreatment. (Federal)

Report-child pair

The concatenation of the Report ID and the Child ID, which together form a new unique ID which represents a single unique record in the case-level Child File. (Federal)

Reporter

The person alleging abuse or neglect of a child. Also, referral source, referent, caller.

Reporting period

The 12-month period for which data are submitted to the NCANDS. The calendar year is requested. (Federal)

Residential camp

A public or private facility that engages or accepts the care, physical custody, or control of children during summer months and that is licensed, regulated, approved, operated under the direction of, or otherwise certified by the department of health or the American camping association. (OAC)

Residential care facility

A home or facility that is not a private residence in which children reside where care is provided by child care staff employed by an agency. A foster home is not a residential facility. \"residential facility\", as used in chapter 5101:2-34 of the administrative code, is a home or facility that is licensed by the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities under section 5123.19 of the Revised Code and in which a child with a developmental disability resides. (OAC)

Residential facility staff

Employees of a public or private group residential facility, including emergency shelters, group homes, and institutions. (Federal)

Residential parenting facility

A facility in which teenage mothers and their children reside for the purpose of keeping mother and child together, teaching parenting and life skills to the mother, and assisting teenage mothers in obtaining educational or vocational training and skills. (OAC)

Residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities

Rights, privileges, and responsibilities remaining with the natural parent after the transfer of legal custody of the child, including, but not necessarily limited to, the privilege of reasonable visitation, consent to adoption, the privilege to determine the child's religious affiliation, and the responsibility for support. (OAC)

Respite care

Any alternative care provided for a child placed in a specialized foster home that lasts more than twenty-four consecutive hours when the plan is to return the child to the same specialized foster home at the end of the period of respite care. (OAC) (See  chapters 5101:2-5, and 5101:2-7.)

Respite care services

Services designed to provide temporary relief of child-caring functions which may include, but are not limited to, crisis nurseries, day treatment, and volunteers or paid individuals who provide such services within the home. This service may be provided to a child placed in a foster home or with a relative as well as for a child in his own home. (OAC)

Respite home

A home that is managed by a respite family that receives funds from and is approved to provide respite care services by the department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. (OAC)

Response time

A determination made by CPS and law enforcement regarding the immediacy of the response needed to a report of child abuse or neglect. (Federal)

Response time with respect to the initial investigation

The time between the log-in of a call to the State Agency from a reporter alleging child maltreatment and the face-to-face contact with the alleged victim, where this is appropriate, or to contact with another person who can provide information. (Federal)

Response time with respect to the provision of services

The time from the log-in of a call to the agency from a reporter alleging child maltreatment to the provision of postinvestigative services, often requiring the opening of a case for ongoing services. (Federal)

Review hearings

- Held by the juvenile and family court to review dispositions (usually every 6 months) and to determine the need to maintain placement in out-of-home care or court jurisdiction of a child. (Federal)

Risk

The likelihood that a child will be maltreated in the future. (Federal)

Risk assessment

A systematic decision making process to determine the safety and protection of the child, used throughout the life of a case. (OAC) Also, to assess and measure the likelihood that a child will be maltreated in the future, frequently through the use of checklists, matrices, scales, and other methods of measurement. (Federal)

Risk element

The 28 specific concerns which comprise family risk assessment matrix and are designed to identify the risk of abuse/neglect (for example, age of child, extent of physical injury). These elements are grouped into seven major risk factors on the family risk assessment matrix. (OAC)

Risk factor/category

Conditions or circumstances which contribute to the risk to children of abuse/neglect, seven major risk factors found on the family risk assessment matrix, child characteristics, adult characteristics and socio-economic conditions. (OAC)

Risk factors

Behaviors and conditions present in the child, parent, or family that will likely contribute to child maltreatment occurring in the future. (Federal)

Risk rating

The numerical value or rating assigned to each element of the family risk assessment matrix based on a range of values: no risk (NR), low risk (L), moderate risk (M) high risk (H) or intensive risk (I) to the child. (OAC)

RRD

Rapid Requirements Definition.

RTM

Requirements Traceability Matrix.

RUP

Rational Unified Process.

SACWIS

See statewide automated child welfare information systems.

Safety

Absence of an imminent or immediate threat of moderate-to-serious harm to the child. (Federal)

Safety assessment

A part of the CPS case process in which available information is analyzed to identify whether a child is in immediate danger of moderate or serious harm. (Federal)

Safety plan

A document which is required when there is immediate danger of significant harm to the child. The plan incorporates action steps, identifies who is responsible, and identifies time frames for each action step. (OAC) Also, a casework document developed when it is determined that the child is in imminent or potential risk of serious harm. In the safety plan, the caseworker targets the factors that are causing or contributing to the risk of imminent serious harm to the child, and identifies, along with the family, the interventions that will control the safety factors and assure the child's protection. (Federal)

Screened-in reports

Reports that met the State's standards for accepting a child maltreatment report. (Federal)

Screened-out reports

Reports that did not meet the State's standards for accepting a child maltreatment report. (Federal)

Screener

An agency employee who receives intake information, records information into system, searches for prior agency involvement, forwards for screening decision, and provides information or referrals to other agencies.

Screening

The process by which the PCSA determines whether information contained in an allegation constitutes a report of child abuse or neglect. (OAC) Also, the process of making a decision about whether or not to accept a report to the State agency which receives child maltreatment reports. (Federal)

Screening decision maker

Agency employee who reviews intake information, determines acceptance for agency involvement, categorizes reports, prioritizes reports, contacts law enforcement as necessary, forwards reports for assignments, and notifies mandated reporters of screening decisions. (Federal)

Scripts

Prepared questions on a template that can be copied and added to intake narrative. Scripted questions are optional. They help the screener develp dialog with the intake reporter to gather and record details about the intake.

SDC

See Summary data component.

SDM

Screening decision maker

Sending agency

A PCSA, PCPA, or any agency, officer or employee of the state or local government, or any court or person, voluntary agency, or other entity which sends or brings a child, or causes a child to be sent or brought, into another state. (OAC)

Service agreement

The casework document developed between the CPS caseworker and the family that outlines the tasks necessary to achieve goals and outcomes necessary for risk reduction. (Federal)

Service date

Date of the report disposition or a date decided by the State to be more appropriate to signify the start of services. The service date for cases for which services were continued (or changed) as a result of the investigation disposition is the date of the most recent case opening prior to the receipt of the report. (Federal)

Service provision

The stage of the CPS casework process when CPS and other service providers provide specific services geared toward the reduction of risk of maltreatment. (Federal)

Services

Non-investigative public or private nonprofit activities provided or continued as a result of an investigation or assessment. In general, only activities that occur within 90 days of the report are included in NCANDS. (Federal)

SETS

Support Enforcement Tracking System. The Ohio child support system for Title IV-D.

Sexual abuse

A type of maltreatment that refers to the involvement of the child in sexual activity to provide sexual gratification or financial benefit to the perpetrator, including contacts for sexual purposes, molestation, statutory rape, prostitution, pornography, exposure, incest, or other sexually exploitative activities. (Federal)

Shelter

The temporary care of children in physically unrestricted facilities pending court adjudication or disposition. (OAC)

Site

Refers to both ODJFS offices and individual counties.

Skilled level of care

As used in the definition of a \"medically fragile foster home\" has the same meaning as described in rule 5101:3-3-05 of the Administrative Code. (OAC)

SME

Subject matter expert

Social marketing

The use of marketing principles and techniques to influence a target audience to voluntarily accept, reject, modify or abandon a behavior for the benefit of individuals, groups or society as a whole. (Federal)

Social services block grant

Funds provided by title XX of the Social Security Act that are used for services to the States that may include child care, child protection, child and foster care services, and day care. (Federal)

Social services personnel

Employees of a public or private social services or social welfare agency, or other social worker or counselor who provides similar services. (Federal)

Special needs child

For the purposes of the state adoption subsidy program is a child who, prior to substitute care or adoptive placement, has at least one of the following needs or circumstances that may be a barrier to placement or adoption or a barrier to a child being sustained in a substitute care placement or adoptive home without financial assistance because the child: (1) is in a sibling group which should be placed together; (2) is a member of a minority or ethnic group; (3) is six years of age or older; (4) has remained in the permanent custody of a PCSA or PCPA for more than one year; (5) has a medical condition, physical impairment, mental retardation or developmental disability; (6) has an emotional disturbance or behavioral problem; (7) has a social or medical history or the background of the child's biological family has a social or medical history which may place the child at risk of acquiring a medical condition, a physical, mental or developmental disability or an emotional disorder; (8) has been in the home of his/her prospective adoptive parents as a foster child for at least one year and would experience severe separation and loss if placed in another setting due to his/her significant emotional ties with these foster parents as determined and documented by a qualified mental health professional; (9) has experienced previous adoption disruption or multiple placements. (OAC)

Specialized foster home

A medically fragile foster home or a treatment foster home. (OAC)

Spouse abuse

Violence between two caretakers regardless of marital status, and reflects the presence of domestic violence. (OAC)

Staff secure facility

A residential setting for adjudicated offenders that provides treatment in a safe environment with an atmosphere of mutual respect between staff and residents without traditional obstacles to prevent escape. Traditional barriers include locked doors, barbed wire, electric gates. In a staff secure facility staff become the deterrent to escape by having an ODJFS approved plan for positioning themselves in such a way that residents are prevented from escaping. (OAC)

Stakeholders

See Key stakeholders.

State

The primary geopolitical unit from which child maltreatment data are collected. U.S. territories, U.S. military commands, and Washington, DC, have the same status as States in the data collection effort. (Federal)

State Adoption Maintenance Subsidy

Financial assistance paid to the adoptive parent on behalf of the special needs child to help meet the costs of food, shelter, clothing and routine medical and dental care. (OAC)

State adoption subsidy

A state-funded adoption program intended to make permanent homes possible for children with special needs. Through the subsidized adoption program, special service and maintenance subsidy payments are made available to assist an adoptive parent who is otherwise qualified to adopt except for financial need. (OAC)

State agency

The agency in a State that is responsible for child protection and child welfare. (Federal)

State data system

Any number of State computer systems which are focused on supporting the child welfare efforts of the State. (Federal)

State institution

A facility that was established by, or operated pursuant to the authority of, the general assembly, for the care of delinquent children, blind children, deaf children, children with a mental illness, children who are mentally retarded, or children with a developmental disability, and that is under the management, control, or supervision of the division of correctional services of the department of youth services, the state board of education, the state department of mental health, the state department of mental retardation and developmental disabilities, or a political subdivision. (OAC)

Statewide automated child welfare information systems

Any of a variety of automated systems designed to process child welfare information on a statewide basis. (Federal)

Stepparent

The husband or wife, by a subsequent marriage, of the child's mother or father. (Federal)

Structured decision making

A process used to identify the overall professional judgment level of risk, determined through a weighted analysis of the information gathered from the twenty-eight elements; strengths; concerns and an evaluation of how the risk factors interrelate. (OAC)

Submission year

Twelve-month period defining the time limits of dispositions submitted to NCANDS. Dispositions may be from reports occurring in that year or in a previous year. Reports occurring in that year that did not reach a disposition in that year are not submitted. (Federal)

Substantial risk

Shall have the same meaning as imminent risk. (OAC)

Substantiated

A type of investigation disposition that concludes that the allegation of maltreatment or risk of maltreatment was supported or founded by State law or State policy. This is the highest level of finding by a state agency. (Federal)

Substantiated report

A report sent to the central registry by the PCSA in which there is an admission of child abuse or neglect by the person(s) responsible; an adjudication of child abuse or neglect; OR other forms of confirmation deemed valid by the PCSA. (OAC)

Substantiation

The process by which a report is substantiated.

Substitute care

The care provided for a child apart from his parent or guardian, while the child's custody is held by a PCSA or PCPA. (OAC)

Substitute care provider

A person providing out-of-home care to children, such as a foster parent or residential facility staff. (Federal)

Substitute caregiver

An individual who provides care for a child who has been removed from the home of his parent, guardian or custodian and who is a foster parent, group home or residential facility caregiver, pre-adoptive parent, kin or relative providing care for the child. (OAC)

Summary data component

The aggregate data collection form submitted by States that do not submit the Child File. (Federal)

Supervising agency

The agency providing prefinalization services to an adoptive family or adoptive child during the period prior to an adoption finalization. (OAC)

Supervisor

As the term is used in rules contained in Chapter 5101:2-33 of the Administrative Code means a person who is employed by the PCSA to oversee, direct or manage one or more workers employed by the agency in a social services capacity. (OAC)

Supplemental plan

A written plan for a child which outlines the agency's plan to locate a permanent placement for the child and which may be developed concurrently with the case plan. (OAC)

Support system

The involvement of relatives, mentors, and caregivers in the development of independent living skills; and training children or families in decision making, planning, and time management. (OAC)

Supportive systems

Services provided or arranged to protect, strengthen, or assist children and families or caretakers. Supportive services may include family preservation services, family support services, time-limited family reunification services, or adoption promotional and support services. (OAC)

Systems of care

A system of care is a process of partnering an array of service agencies and families, working together to provide individualized care and supports designed to help children and families achieve safety, stability and permanency in their home and community. (Federal)

TANF

See Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

TBD

To be determined.

Technical Partners Committee

A committee charged with determining the optimal technical architecture for constructing SACWIS and determining the preferred tools for development, testing and production.

Templates

Templates contain scripted questions for an intake report. The system contains the template developed by Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Other county agencies can have templates added to the intake module.

Temporary Aid to Needy Families

Created by the federal welfare reform legislation P.L 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). It replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). States are required to use TANF funds to serve families with children, but the law does allow states broad flexibility in administering the TANF program. For example, each state is allowed to set its own income eligibility standards.

Temporary certificate

A certificate issued as a sanction by ODJFS to a PCSA, PCPA, PNA  or a period of less than one year. (OAC) (See section 5103.03 of the Revised Code.)

Temporary custody

Legal custody of a child who is removed from the child's home, which custody may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the court or, if the legal custody is granted in an agreement for temporary custody, by the person who executed the agreement. (OAC)

Temporary custody by commitment

As this term is used in Indian child welfare rules contained in Chapter 5101:2-42 of the Administrative Code, is any involuntary court action transferring legal custody of an Indian child from his parent or Indian custodian to an agency or including the child becoming a ward of the juvenile or tribal court for temporary placement in a foster home or children's residential center or the home of a guardian where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the child returned upon demand, but where parental rights such as the privileges of reasonable visitation, consent to adoption, the privilege to determine the child's religious or Indian affiliation, and the responsibility for support have not been terminated. (OAC)

Temporary emergency care

Physical care and meeting the emotional needs of a child in a facility established to receive children at any time of day, twenty-four hours per day. (OAC)

Termination

The final resolution of a child abuse or neglect report or closure of a children's protective services case. (OAC) (See Chapter 5101:2-34.)

Tertiary prevention

Treatment efforts geared to address situations where child maltreatment has already occurred with the goals of preventing child maltreatment from occurring in the future and of avoiding the harmful effects of child maltreatment. (Federal)

Therapeutic counseling

Psychological services provided to correct or alleviate any mental or emotional illness or disorder and performed by a licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or a person licensed under Chapter 4757. Of the Revised Code to engage in social work or professional counseling. (OAC) (See section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.)

Therapeutic services

Medical, psychiatric or psychological services performed by licensed or certified physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, professional counselors or independent social workers for the purpose of correcting or alleviating physical, mental, or emotional illnesses, or disorders. (OAC)

Tickler

A work item to be completed, including the date when it is due. Ticklers are accessible from the worker's OHIO SACWIS desktop. Ticklers remain visible until the associated work item is completed.

Time-limited family reunification services

For the purposes of utilizing Title IV-B, subpart 2 means the services and activities listed in this definition that are provided to a child who is removed from his home and placed in a foster home or a residential facility and to the parent, guardian or custodian of such a child, in order to facilitate the reunification of the child safely and appropriately within a timely fashion, but only during the fifteen month period that begins on the date the child is considered to have entered care. Services and activities allowable are the following: individual, group, and family counseling; inpatient, residential, or outpatient substance abuse treatment services; mental health services; assistance to address domestic violence; services designed to provide temporary child care and therapeutic services for families, including crisis nurseries; and transportation to or from any of the services or activities described in this definition. (OAC)

Title IV-E agency

A public children services agency or a public entity, including juvenile courts and DYS, with whom the Ohio Department of Job and Family services has a Title IV-E interagency agreement in effect. (OAC)

Toddler

Any child from 18 months of age to 36 months of age.(OAC)

TPC

See Technical Partners Committee.

Training

The training and staff development activities which directly or indirectly benefit or assist agency staff in the delivery of services. (OAC)

Training episode

A class, session or workshop for foster caregivers of one hour duration or more, as contained in an agency's approved foster caregiver preplacement and continuing training proposal. (OAC)

Transfer

An agreement between two recommending agencies and a foster caregiver for transferring the responsibility for future utilization, supervision and recertification of a foster home from one agency to another. (OAC)

Transportation

Arranging for or providing transportation to and from needed services, resources and facilities. (OAC)

Treatment

The stage of the child protection case process when specific services are provided by CPS and other providers to reduce the risk of maltreatment, support families in meeting case goals, and address the effects of maltreatment. (Federal)

Treatment foster care

- Foster caregiver-based treatment services for children whose special or exceptional needs cannot be met in their own homes. Treatment foster care focuses on providing rehabilitative services to children with special or exceptional needs and their families with the primary location of treatment being in the treatment foster home. (OAC)

Treatment foster caregiver

A person who has been specifically trained and certified to provide treatment to children with special or exceptional needs placed in the treatment foster home.  (OAC) (See rules 5101:2-5-20 to 5101:2-5-35 and 5101:2-7-02 to 5101:2-7-16.)

Treatment foster home

A foster home that incorporates special rehabilitative services designed to treat the specific needs of the children received in the foster home and that receives and cares for children who are emotionally or behaviorally disturbed, chemically dependent, mentally retarded, or developmentally disabled, or who otherwise have exceptional needs. (OAC)

Treatment team

The group of individuals who formulate, assess, monitor and revise, as needed, the child's service plan. The treatment team shall include, but is not limited to: (1) a treatment team leader; (2) case managers or therapists from agencies providing social, medical or mental health services to the child and his family; (3) the treatment or medically fragile foster caregiver(s); (4) a representative(s) of the agency holding custody of the child, including, for any child who has attained the age of sixteen, a representative of the custody-holding agency's independent living program; (5) a representative of the educational system providing educational services to the child; (6) the child, according to his age and functioning level; (7) parent(s) of the child, when reunification with the parent(s) is the plan for the child, or the child's guardian; and (8) the child's guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate, if one has been appointed to represent the child. (OAC)

Treatment team leader

The member(s) of the treatment team with primary responsibility for day-to-day leadership of the treatment team and for preparation of the written service plan and any revisions thereto. The treatment team leader shall be a professional treatment staff member of the treatment or medically fragile foster care program or the child's treatment or medically fragile foster caregiver if the foster caregiver is appropriately licensed/certified to perform the functions of a treatment team leader. Nothing in this definition shall prohibit a treatment team from being co-led by more than one individual. (OAC)

TSC

Technical Steering Committee.

Type A family day care home

A permanent residence of the administrator in which child day care is provided: (1) For seven to twelve children at one time, including any children under six years of age who are related to a licensee, administrator, or employee of the type A home and who are on the premises of the type A home; or (2) For four to twelve children at one time if four or more children at one time are under two years of age, including any children under six years of age who are related to a licensee, administrator, or employee of the type A home and who are on the premises of the type A home. Type A family day-care home does not include a residence in which all of the children are siblings of the same family and the residence is the home of the siblings. (OAC)

Type B family day care home

A permanent residence of the provider in which child day care or child day-care services are provided for one to six children at one time and in which no more than three children may be under two years of age at one time. (1) In counting children for the purposes of this rule, any children under six years of age who are related to the provider and who are on the premises of the type B home shall be counted. Children six years of age or older who are related to the provider and who are on the premises of the \"type B home\" shall not be included in this count. (2) A \"type B home\" also includes a home which is the permanent residence of both the provider and the parent. (OAC)

Unable to determine

Any racial category not included in the following: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, or White.  This is used when a child is very young or is severely disabled and no person is available to identify the child's race, or when an adult refuses to identify his or her race. (Federal)

Unable to locate

A report of child abuse or neglect sent to the central registry by the PCSA in which the investigation was not initiated due to the inability to locate the family or the family moved before the assessment/investigation was completed and the agency was unable to locate them. (OAC)

Unaccompanied refugee minor

A person who has not yet reached 18 years of age, or such higher age as the ODJFS has provided for in its child welfare plan under Title IV-B of the social security act, and who entered the United States unaccompanied by and not destined to: (1) a parent; or (2) a close nonparental adult relative who is willing and able to care for the minor; or (3) an adult with a court claim to custody of the minor; and (4) who has no parent(s) in the United States. (OAC)

Unit

A grouping of workers within an agency.  A unit may exist with or without a supervisor(s).

Universal precautions

An approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other blood borne pathogens. (OAC)

Universal prevention

- Activities and services directed at the general public with the goal of stopping the occurrence of maltreatment before it starts. Also referred to as \"primary prevention.\" (Federal)

Unknown

The State collects data on this variable, but the data for this particular report or child were not captured or are missing. (Federal)

Unknown report source

(See anonymous report source)

Unmarried partner of parent

Someone who has a relationship with the parent and lives in the household with the parent and abused child. (Federal)

Unruly child

Any child: (1) Who does not subject himself or herself to the reasonable control of his or her parents, teachers, guardian, or custodian, by reason of being wayward or habitually disobedient. (2) Who is an habitual truant from home or school. (3) Who so deports himself or herself as to injure or endanger his or her health or morals or the health or morals of others. (4) Who attempts to enter the marriage relation in any state without the consent of his or her parents, custodian or legal guardian, or other legal authority. (5) Who is found in a disreputable place, visits or patronizes a place prohibited by law, or associates with vagrant, vicious, criminal, notorious, or immoral persons. (6) Who engages in an occupation prohibited by law or is in a situation dangerous to life or limb or injurious to his or her health or morals or the health or morals of others. (7) Who violates a law, other than division (A) of section 2923.211 of the Revised Code, that is applicable only to a child. (OAC)

Unsubstantiated

A type of investigation disposition that determines that there is not sufficient evidence under State law to conclude or suspect that the child has been maltreated or is at risk of being maltreated. (Federal)

Unsubstantiated report - no evidence

A report of child abuse or neglect sent to the central registry by the PCSA in which the investigation determined no occurrence of child abuse or neglect. (OAC)

Variance

A discretionary action of ODJFS to permanently suspend all or part of a rule imposed on an agency by the application of Chapter 5101:2-5 or 5101:2-9 of the Administrative Code, or on a foster caregiver by the application of Chapter 5101:2-7 of the Administrative Code. (OAC) (See  rule 5101:2-5-19.)

Verified report

A report submitted by the PCSA and assigned a child abuse and neglect central registry identification number under which the reporting agency receives information concerning the existence of a prior report involving an alleged perpetrator and/or child victim. (OAC)

Victim

A child having a maltreatment disposition of \"Substantiated,\" \"Indicated,\" or \"Alternative Response Victim.\" (Federal)

Volunteering services

Those services (for example, transportation) performed by a person of his own free will and without monetary gain or compensation. (OAC)

Waiting child

A child in the permanent custody of a PCSA with the goal of adoption that is not currently in a prefinalized adoptive placement, in the process of visiting a prospective adoptive family or involved in an appeal. (OAC)

Waiver

A discretionary action of ODJFS to temporarily suspend all or part of a rule imposed on an agency by the application of Chapter 5101:2-5 or 5101:2-9 of the Administrative Code, or on a foster caregiver by the application of Chapter 5101:2-7 of the Administrative Code in order to give the agency or foster caregiver time to come into compliance. (OAC) (See  rule 5101:2-5-18.)

Web Check

An Internet-based program for civilian background checks developed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I).

Webinar

A live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments. These are often recorded and posted on the internet.

White

A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North African. (Federal)

Withholding of medically indicated treatment

The failure to respond to the disabled infant's life-threatening conditions by providing treatment (including appropriate nutrition, hydration, and medication) which, in the attending physician's reasonable medical judgment, will most likely be effective in ameliorating or correcting all such conditions. Withholding medically indicated treatment may constitute neglect of a child. This term does not include the failure to provide treatment (other than appropriate nutrition, hydration, or medication) to a disabled infant when, in the attending physician's reasonable medical judgment, any of the following circumstances apply: (1) the disabled infant is chronically and irreversibly comatose. (2) the provisions of such treatment would merely prolong dying, or not be effective in ameliorating or correcting all of the disabled infant's life-threatening conditions, or otherwise be futile in terms of survival of the disabled infant. (3) the provisions of such treatment would be virtually futile in terms of the survival of the disabled infant and the treatment itself under such circumstances would be inhumane. (OAC)

Work item

A record in Ohio SACWIS that is assigned or approved.

Worker training video

Instructional video of a SACWIS process shown via YouTube. These videos appear by selecting the movie reel icon on the online help articles, and screen topics where available. You can also search for these videos on the knowledge base.