Rule 5180:2-36-14 | Protective service alert.
(A) A public children services agency (PCSA) will issue a protective service alert (PSA) when the whereabouts of a child and their parent, guardian, or custodian are unknown and:
(1) The PCSA receives an abuse or neglect report and has reason to believe the child is in immediate danger of serious harm; or
(2) The PCSA determines that protective services are needed and has reason to believe the child remains at risk of abuse or neglect.
(B) The PCSA is to issue a PSA in Ohio's comprehensive child welfare information system (CCWIS) and specify whether the PSA is to be processed as an in-state or out-of-state alert.
(C) The PCSA is to attempt to assess/investigate the concerns related to an active PSA upon receipt of updated contact information that may allow the ability to locate the family.
(D) Upon receipt of the notification that a person has been located, the PCSA who has located a person is to cancel the PSA in Ohio's CCWIS.
Last updated January 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM
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