Substitute House Bill No. 8 Summary

• Amends Ohio law to consolidate foster caregiver training requirements by repealing sections 5103.039 and 5103.0311 and replacing them with rules adopted under section 5103.0316

• Requires prospective family and specialized foster caregivers to complete at least 36 hours of preplacement training, with up to 20% available online

• Mandates foster caregivers renew certificates by completing 40 hours of continuing training for family foster homes or 60 hours for specialized foster homes in each two-year certification period

• Allows foster caregivers to fulfill up to 20% of continuing training requirements by teaching classes or providing mentorship to other foster caregivers

• Authorizes the Department of Job and Family Services to adopt comprehensive rules governing training hours, course requirements, needs assessments, and compensation for private agencies operating training programs