Normalcy and the Reasonable and Prudent

Parent Standard

NameLicensing agencyOne activityWhat you learned

What have you heard about the new normalcy

legislation and the reasonable and prudent parent

standard?

Definitions

Importance of Normalcy

Normalcy in Ohio

Implementation

Applying the Standard

Transfer of Learning

You will be able to:

Explain normalcy and the RPPS

Explain the importance of normalcy to development

Describe your role and the role of the agency

Identify factors to be considered

The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (2014)

What is Normalcy?

The Reasonable And Prudent Parent Standard

Have we over-emphasized the safety of children and

de-emphasized the importance of their well-being?

Have we over-emphasized the safety of children and de-emphasized the importance of their well-being?

The Importance

of Normalcy

Life Skills Development

Supported by Brain Research

Develop Social Capital

Overcome Trauma

Source: Florida Guardian ad Litem Program. (2014). A Voice Heard – Let Kids be Kids.

"It helps the children have a

sense of belonging and

not feel excluded."

"...reduction of anger issues."

"Less anxiety and stress about placement.

Better attitude overall about

having to be in care."

"They don't feel so singled

out or different."

"My child feels like a part of a

family and not a

system."

"My youth has reduced her

inclination to run away.“

Why Ohio

needs a

normalcy law

Wish listOpportunities to budgetTransportation to activitiesHelp with employmentOpportunities to negotiate for privilegesChoices in use of timeQuick signing of permission slips

Current Practice…

Sleepover at friend’s

Pictures in publications

Temp driver’s permit

Haircut without permission

Driver’s license

Ride with friends

Allowed by State Allowed by Most Counties

Sleepover without fingerprinting

Unsupervised activities

Activity without securing birthparent

permission

Know state & agency policies

State law

2151.315 Participation in age-appropriate

activities

5103.162 Qualified immunity

Three Exclusions:

Imposed by ORC Outside scope of power Malicious, bad faith, wanton,

reckless

When and why might a caregiver allow a child to participate in an activity that was against his or her better judgement?

Well-being

Risk of harm

Agency Implementation

TrainingTeamworkPoliciesDue diligence

Your Role Seek out and attend

trainingCommunicate with

the agencyProvide a nurturing

environmentHone assessment

skills

Six Factors to Consider1.Developmental level2.Potential risk factors3.Best interest4.Growth5.Family-like experience6.Behavioral history Other

factors

You can:

Explain normalcy and the RPPS

Explain the importance of normalcy to development

Describe your role and the role of the agency

Identify factors to be considered

Write down your “take-aways”

Thank you!Normalcy GuideOCWTP.com Caregiver’s Corner