Rule 5180:2-9-38 | Community engagement plan for residential facilities.
(A) What is a community engagement plan and who needs one?
Every residential facility in Ohio is to have a written community engagement plan. This plan outlines how the facility will communicate with local residents and respond to concerns or incidents that may arise.
(B) What kind of information is to be included in a residential facility's community engagement plan?
(1) A process for community members to contact the Ohio department of children and youth (DCY) with concerns or complaints.
(2) Posting of the DCY 00053 "It Takes a Village" flyer in a visible location at the facility.
(3) A phone number and, if available, an email address for the public to contact the facility directly.
(4) Clear steps for how the facility will respond to community concerns, including how quickly they will respond.
(C) How can community members access contact information for the facility or DCY?
(1) Provided to anyone who requests it.
(2) Posted on the facility's website, if accessible.
(D) What happens if the facility updates its community engagement plan?
The facility s to notify stakeholders of any changes within ten days. Stakeholders include:
(1) County, municipal, or township law enforcement agencies.
(2) Emergency management agencies.
(3) Fire departments with jurisdiction over the facility.
(4) Local government officials responsible for community oversight.
(E) What are the community engagement plan training requirements for a residential facility?
(1) A residential facility is to ensure staff are trained on the implementation of the community engagement plan and procedures for responding to incidents involving a child at the facility and neighbors or law enforcement.
(2) If the training is conducted by an external provider, the training is to include a transfer of learning component.
(3) The transfer of learning component may include a pretest, a posttest, or a discussion following the training.
Last updated January 5, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Supplemental Information