What steps have been taken to ensure the safety of Hamilton County children in foster homes and facilities?
There are a variety of rules and regulations that guide safety in foster and residential care. Criminal Screens: All adults in foster homes are required to have local and state criminal checks (BCII). Applicants who have not or who are unable to prove residency in Ohio over the past five years or who have residency, but have maintained employment or residency at any time of the year outside of the state are required to undergo federal criminal checks (FBI). In addition, Hamilton County has implemented an instant notification process that cross references foster parents with daily Clerk of Courts arrest information. Also, there is legislation pending that requires all foster caregivers and any adult in a home submit to federal checks regardless of residency status. Hamilton County is in support of this legislation. Household members between the ages of 12 and 17 are required to submit to a criminal records checks check through the local juvenile court. There are numerous offenses within
