Rule 5101:2-36-06 | PCSA requirements for a deserted child assessment/investigation.
(A) A public children services agency (PCSA) is to conduct a deserted child/safe haven assessment/investigation if all of the following apply to the child subject of the report:
(1) The child is fewer than thirty-one days old.
(2) The child was voluntarily left by the child's parent in the care of an emergency medical service worker, peace officer, peace officer support employee, or hospital employee.
(3) The child was left and the child's parent(s) did not express an intention to return for the child.
(B) The PCSA is to initiate the screened in deserted child/safe haven report by:
(1) Attempting face-to-face contact with the child subject of the report within twenty-four hours from the time the referral was screened in; or
(2) Obtaining information regarding the child subject of the report's current condition and safety via face-to-face, virtual, or telephone contact with the hospital staff member providing care for the infant.
(C) The PCSA is to contact the individual who originally took possession of the child and obtain:
(1) The date and time the child subject of the report was left with the individual.
(2) All information regarding the child left by the parent(s).
(3) The JFS 01672 "Voluntary Medical History For Safe Havens" form, if completed by the child's parent(s).
(4) All clothing and articles left with the child.
(D) The PCSA is to accept emergency temporary custody of the child subject of the report.
(E) If the child subject of the report is not left at a hospital, the PCSA is to transport, or arrange for transportation of the child to the nearest appropriate hospital emergency department within twenty-four hours.
(F) The PCSA is to obtain the medical examination report from the physician.
(G) The PCSA is to screen in a report of child abuse and/or neglect if any of the following occur during the assessment/investigation of a deserted child/safe haven child:
(1) The child's condition reasonably indicates abuse and/or neglect, including the following:
(a) An infant identified as a substance affected infant as defined in rule 5101:2-1-01 of the Administrative Code.
(b) An infant diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
(2) The PCSA determines that someone other than the parent delivered the child subject of the report to the care of an emergency medical service worker, peace officer, peace officer support employee, or hospital employee.
(3) The child subject of the report is determined to be more than thirty days old at the time the child was delivered to the care of an emergency medical service worker, peace officer, peace officer support employee, or hospital employee.
(H) The PCSA is to place the child subject of the report in substitute care pursuant to rule 5101:2-42-04 of the Administrative Code and provide a copy of the medical examination report to the caregiver.
(I) The PCSA is to contact the following agencies and determine if a child matching the description of the child subject of the report has been reported missing:
(1) Local law enforcement.
(2) Ohio's missing children's information clearinghouse (https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/missingkids).
(3) National center for missing and exploited children (https://www.missingkids.org).
(J) The PCSA is to complete activities to obtain a birth certificate and a social security card for the child subject of the report.
(K) The PCSA is to complete the deserted child/safe haven assessment/investigation no later than sixty days from the date the referral was screened in.
(L) The assessment/investigation documentation and any materials obtained as a result of the assessment/investigation are to be maintained in the case record.
Last updated September 3, 2024 at 9:06 AM
Supplemental Information