§12336 Independent State body

Summary

To get a grant under sections 12337 or 12338, the governor must name an independent State body. Most members must be cabinet-level officials from agencies that run programs for young people. The rest must come from groups like nonprofit service providers, advocates, legislative committees, youth leaders (including service recipients), business, provider employees, local governments, and any staff needed. That body must write the State plan, run and watch the plan, help coordinate state activities for young people, and speak up for kids and families by reviewing plans, budgets, and policies and giving technical help. The independent body must also make a system for how the governor will spread the grant money, send a description of that system to the Commissioner for review, and give priority to local service systems that tailor services to needs, are rooted in the community with local leaders and youth involved, and show strong collaboration among providers (for example, joint planning, funding, and intake). The Commissioner can approve a plan that names an existing State entity if it already has the same people and authority.