(A) The department of job and family services may apply to the United States secretary of health and human services for a waiver of requirements established under Title IV-Eor regulations adopted thereunder, to conduct a demonstration project expanding eligibility for and services provided under Title IV-E. The department may enter into agreements with the secretary necessary to implement the demonstration project, including agreements establishing the terms and conditions of the waiver authorizing the project. If a demonstration project is to be established, the department shall do all of the following:

(1) Have the director of job and family services adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing the project. The rules shall be consistent with the agreements the department enters into with the secretary.

(2) Enter into agreements with public children services agencies that the department selects for participation in the project. The department shall not select an agency that objects to participation or refuses to be bound by the terms and conditions of the project.

(3) Contract with persons or governmental agencies providing services under the project;

(4) Amend the state plan required by section 471 of the "Social Security Act," 42 U.S.C.A. 671, as amended, as needed to implement the project;

(5) Conduct ongoing evaluations of the project;

(6) Perform other administrative and operational activities required by the agreement with the secretary.

(B) The department may apply to the United States secretary of health and human services for a waiver of the requirements established under Title IV-B of the "Social Security Act of 1967," 81 Stat. 821, 42 U.S.C.A. 620 or regulations adopted thereunder and established under any other federal law or regulations that affect the children services functions prescribed by Chapter 5153. of the Revised Code, to conduct demonstration projects or otherwise improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the children services function.

Effective Date: 06-26-2003.