A. In conducting the study, the commission shall assess and study strategies to:

(1) Improve management and coordination of all foster care and adoption service providers;

(2) Improve seamless service between the Department of Human Services and the parties involved in the foster care and adoption systems in the State;

(3) Improve checks and balances that provide independent review of state assessments of foster facilities and homes; and

(4) Create regional citizen panels to improve advocacy for foster and adoptive parents, provide an independent arena for all constituencies to have needs addressed and provide oversight for efforts of the Department of Human Services.

B. To fulfill its duties the commission may:

(1) Hold informational sessions for discussions with knowledgeable persons;

(2) Conduct, summarize and analyze the results of a literature search;

(3) Conduct, tabulate and analyze the results of a survey of the public or affected persons and groups;

(4) Procure and analyze relevant data;

(5) Conduct legal research and prepare opinions on legal questions within the scope of its study; and

(6) Determine and summarize the legislative actions or governmental programs undertaken in other jurisdictions related to issues within the scope of the study.

5. Staff assistance. Upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission.

6. Compensation. The members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to the legislative per diem, as defined

in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission. Other members of the commission who are not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for their attendance at authorized meetings.

7. Report. The commission shall submit its report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary no later than January 15, 2002. The Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary may report out legislation pursuant to this order to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature. If the commission requires a limited extension of time to conclude its work, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension.

8. Budget. The chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. Within 10 days after its first meeting, the commission shall present a work plan and proposed budget to the Legislative Council for approval. The commission may not incur expenses that would result in the commission exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission chairs and staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and paid and available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission to Review Foster Care and Adoption Systems in the State to report back to the Second Regular Session of the 120th Legislature.