Section 349.600 - Purpose(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.37 Tex. Admin. Code § 349.600
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 29, July 19, 2024, TexReg 5359, eff. 9/1/2024