Sec 8-459. Community advisory committee; duties; membership

A. The community advisory committee is established to provide a community forum:

1. To inform the department, analyze current law and policy and make recommendations to improve the ability of the department to increase the safety of children, respond to child maltreatment and ensure the well-being of and timely permanency for children who are referred to and involved in the child welfare system.

2. For collaboration among state, local, community, tribal, public and private stakeholders in child welfare programs and services that are administered by the department.

3. To improve communication between mandatory reporters and the department.

B. The committee consists of one representative of each of the following who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the director:

1. Child welfare agencies that directly provide contracted services to children and their families.

2. Child advocacy organizations that deal with child welfare system policy issues.

3. Current or former foster or adoptive parents.

4. Medical providers, with a preference for pediatricians, who have experience in diagnosing and treating injuries related to abuse and neglect.

5. Volunteers with the foster care review board or court appointed special advocate program.

6. Persons with an academic appointment to a state university who conduct research in child welfare services, child maltreatment or child abuse or neglect.

7. The courts. The representative must be involved in child welfare issues.

8. A rural area in this state who has experience in the child welfare system.

9. A native American tribe or nation who has experience in the child welfare system.

10. A child advocacy organization that advocates for or represents children who are victims of crime.

11. Persons who have experience with children with special needs and the child welfare system.

12. A law enforcement agency. The representative must have experience with the department on cases that involve criminal conduct allegations.

13. Schools. The representative must have experience in the child welfare system.

14. A faith-based organization. The representative must have experience in the child welfare system.

C. Members of the committee are not eligible to receive compensation.

D. The committee shall meet at least quarterly and shall file a report of its activities and recommendations during each fiscal year with the director on or before August 15 following the fiscal year. The director shall post the report on the department's website.