| (a) The purpose of the Advisory Council on Juvenile
Services is to advise the Texas Juvenile Justice Board and Texas Juvenile
Justice Department on:
(1) the needs and problems of juvenile boards and juvenile
probation departments;
(2) long-range strategic planning;
(3) reviews and proposed revisions to standards affecting
juvenile probation programs, services, and facilities;
(4) the potential cost impact on juvenile probation
departments of new standards proposed by the Texas Juvenile Justice
Board;
(5) recommendations to improve information sharing
between agencies that serve children, including agencies serving children
involved in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems; and
(6) any other matter at the request of the Texas Juvenile
Justice Board.
(b) The goal of the advisory council is to provide
actionable, direct, and inclusive feedback from the local perspective
to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board and Texas Juvenile Justice Department
so the unified juvenile justice system can collectively develop and
improve the state's comprehensive continuum of care for youth; prioritize
evidence-based rehabilitative services; and ensure safety for youth,
staff, and the public.
(c) The advisory council is composed of 15 members,
as specified in Chapter 203, Human Resources Code. Members, excluding
ex officio members, serve staggered two-year terms. Texas Juvenile
Justice Board-appointed members shall receive training on the advisory
council's purpose, role, and procedures within 30 days of their appointment.
(d) If a vacancy occurs on the council during a member's
term, the Texas Juvenile Justice Board must appoint a replacement
who meets the qualifications of the vacant position to serve for the
remainder of the term.
(e) A majority of advisory council members, excluding
ex officio members as defined in Chapter 203, Human Resources Code,
constitutes a quorum. A quorum must be present to vote on action items
that will be submitted to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board for consideration.
(f) Ex officio members have the same rights and privileges
as other members, including the right to vote. These members are not
counted when determining the number of members who represent a quorum
or in determining whether a quorum is present.
(g) An advisory council member shall avoid the appearance
of a conflict of interest by not voting or participating in a decision
by the council that solely benefits, solely penalizes, or otherwise
solely impacts the county or juvenile probation department over which
the member has authority.
(h) The advisory council's presiding officer or designee
shall periodically update the board on the council's activities, progress
on board directives, and issues impacting juvenile probation programs,
services, and facilities.
(i) The advisory council is subject to Chapter 552,
Government Code, as the act applies to bodies that are solely advisory
in nature.
(j) The advisory council is not subject to Chapter
2110, Government Code. The department shall evaluate the continuing
need for and recommendations to improve the council during the rule
review process established under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
|
