Rule 5180:3-5-03 | PCSA requirements for completing the family assessment.
(A) When does the public children services agency (PCSA) need to complete the "Family Assessment" in Ohio's comprehensive child welfare information system (CCWIS)?
The PCSA is to complete the "Family Assessment" in Ohio's CCWIS for the following:
(1) Intra-familial child abuse and neglect reports assigned to the alternative or traditional response pathway, including those screened in as a third-party assessment/investigation.
(2) Dependency reports.
(3) Stranger danger reports if the PCSA determines that the family of the alleged child victim is unable or unwilling to protect the child.
(4) All other cases transferred for ongoing PCSA services prior to the completion of the "Family Case Plan" or "Prevention Services Plan," except for the following family in need of services reports:
(a) Deserted child/safe haven.
(b) Emancipated youth.
(c) Permanent surrender.
(d) Interstate compact on placement of children (ICPC).
(e) Interstate compact on adoption and medical assistance (ICAMA).
(B) Who does the PCSA assess when completing the "Family Assessment"?
The PCSA is to complete the "Family Assessment" regarding the following individuals, as applicable:
(1) Alleged child victim/child subject of the report.
(2) Siblings of the alleged child victim/child subject of the report residing in the home, including step or half siblings.
(3) Parent(s), guardian(s), custodian(s) of the alleged child victim/child subject of the report.
(4) An individual having regular contact with the alleged child victim/child subject of the report who may contribute to the risk of maltreatment to the child based upon their behaviors and interactions with the child or family.
(5) Paramour of the custodial parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker residing in the home.
(6) Children of the paramour residing in the home.
(7) Other children residing in the home of whom the parent, guardian, custodian or caretaker has custody or guardianship.
(8) A related or unrelated adult caretaker residing in the home who has routine responsibility for care of the alleged victim/child subject of the report and/or siblings.
(C) How does the PCSA gather information for the "Family Assessment" from the individuals identified in paragraph (B) of this rule?
The PCSA is to, at minimum, complete face-to-face contacts for the assessment of safety and the assessment of risk. If an order of shared parenting has been issued by a court, the PCSA is to, at minimum, complete face-to-face contacts for the assessment of safety and the assessment of risk with the individuals residing with the custodian who had physical care of the alleged child victim/child subject of the report at the time the incident occurred.
(D) What is the timeframe for completing the "Family Assessment"?
The PCSA is to record and approve the "Family Assessment" no later than sixty days from the date the PCSA screened in the referral.
Last updated August 17, 2026 at 7:54 AM
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