5101:2-5-16 Religion, culture, and ethnic heritage.

(A)      Every child has the right to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Accordingly, an agency shall demonstrate consideration for, and sensitivity to, the racial, cultural, ethnic and religious background of a child in out-of-home care and of families receiving agency services. The agency shall, in consultation with the parent or guardian and legal custodian, make available to a child in out-of-home care, cultural or ethnic activities appropriate to the child's cultural or ethnic background.


(B)      Opportunity shall be provided each child in out-of-home care for practicing religious beliefs and faith. A child may be encouraged to participate in religious activities, but shall not be coerced to do so.


(C)      An agency shall not require a child in an out-of-home care setting to receive non-emergency medical treatment which conflicts with the religious tenets or practices of the religion of the child or parent without the specific written consent of the parent, guardian or custodian.


(D)      When a child in an out-of-home care setting requires emergency medical treatment and such treatment conflicts with the religious tenets or practices of the child, parent, guardian or custodian, the out-of-home care setting shall immediately transport or arrange for the transportation of the child to a medical facility and contact the custodial agency or individual which placed the child.

Effective Date: 01/01/91

CertificationPamela S. Hyde

Date: 12/17/90

Promulgated Under: Revised Code Chapter 119.

Statutory Authority: Revised Code Sections 5103.02, 5103.03

Rule Amplifies: Revised Code Sections 5103.02, 5103.03

Review Date:

Prior Effective Dates: 12/30/66, 10/01/86, 7/02/90 (Emer.), 10/1/90.