WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

Ch. 735

(b) (1) The policy shall be to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment
for children and families, thereby increasing self sufficiency and family preservation.

(2) This requires a comprehensive, COLLABORATIVE, [coordinated]
interagency approach to provide a continuum of care that is family and child oriented and
emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and community based services. Priority shall
be given to children and families most at risk.

4.

[(a) The Special Secretary for Children, Youth, and Families shall meet the
following minimum qualifications:

(1) Hold a master's degree in health, education, social work, child
development, or another field closely related to children; and

(2) Have at least 5 years of increasing responsibility in administering
programs for children.]

[(b)](A) The [Special Secretary] SUB-CABINET shall:

(1) [Be responsible for the administration of the Office] PROVIDE
ONGOING EXAMINATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION OF MARYLAND'S
SYSTEM OF SERVICES TO CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES;

(2) FACILITATE A COMPREHENSIVE, EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT, AND
INTEGRATED SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH,
AND FAMILIES;

[(2)](3) Examine public and private programs, services, and plans for
children, youth, and their families for the purpose of identifying duplications,
inefficiencies, and unmet needs and evaluating the effectiveness of those programs,
services, and plans;

[(3)](4) Secure and analyze departmental plans and budget requests
affecting programs and services for children, youth, and their families;

[(4)](5) Review federal, State, local, and private funds utilized and
available to the State for programs and services for children, youth, and their families;

[(5)](6) [In consultation with the Secretaries of Health and Mental
Hygiene, Human Resources, and Juvenile Services and the State Superintendent of
Schools, develop] DEVELOP an interagency plan that reflects the priorities for children,
youth, and family services;

[(6)](7) [In consultation with the Secretaries of Health and Mental
Hygiene, Human Resources, and Juvenile Services, and the State Superintendent of
Schools, develop] DEVELOP an interagency budget which identifies and collates all State
expenditures for children, youth, and family services;

[(7)] (8) Periodically review and monitor all State expenditures for children,
youth, and family services to assure that these expenditures are in conformity with
established priorities;

- 3275 -