[ Text of section effective until July 31, 2008. Repealed by 2008, 215, Sec. 43.]
Section 7. The office shall facilitate the establishment of local councils for children within localities determined by the office, provided, that such localities shall not be inconsistent with substate regions and areas as approved by the secretary of administration. The office shall establish, after public hearing, guidelines and procedures for recognition of such councils; provided, that the membership of each council shall consist of at least one-third consumers; and provided, further, that the remaining members include representatives of public and private community groups concerned with services to children and representatives of public and private organizations providing services to children.
In accordance with such guidelines and procedures so established by the office, such councils shall perform the following functions:
(a) determine the extent and availability of services to children within the locality represented by the council;
(b) develop an information and referral service for persons seeking services for children within the locality;
(c) determine the need for services to children within the locality and make recommendations to the office on priorities of need;
(d) evaluate and monitor existing children's services in the locality; and
(e) review and make recommendations to the office concerning approval or disapproval of proposals for state or federal funding for services to children in the locality. Upon receipt of such recommendation from a council concerning those proposals for which the office has responsibility to review or implement, the office shall, within a reasonable time, forward a written reply to such council stating the action taken by the office on such recommendations and the reasons for the action.
The office shall give local councils opportunity to review and comment on guidelines and procedures to be established under this section prior to the public hearing required to be held thereon. The office shall give reasonable notice to all local councils of all public hearings held by the office.
Local councils may enter into contracts with local or regional associations for cooperative endeavors, receive or solicit funds and apply for or accept any federal, state, local or private grants, bequests, gifts or contributions, in accordance with guidelines established by the office and shall submit an annual report to the commissioner, and to both the house and senate committees on ways and means itemizing all funds received and expended.