Ch. 177                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(9) the following members appointed by the Governor:

(i) one representative of the State Judiciary who is knowledgeable
and experienced in juvenile justice issues;

(ii) one representative of the Office of the Public Defender who is
knowledgeable and experienced in juvenile justice issues;

(iii) one representative of a State's Attorney's office who is
knowledgeable and experienced in juvenile justice issues;

(iv) one representative of law enforcement who is knowledgeable
and experienced in juvenile justice issues; and

(v) one representative of a community-based advocacy group that
deals with juvenile justice issues.

(c)      The Governor shall designate the chairman of the Task Force,

(d)     The Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide staff for the Task Force.

(e)     A member of the Task Force:

(1)     may not receive compensation; but

(2)     is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State
Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(f) The Task Force shall:

(1)     study and make recommendations regarding the issue of placing
children in out-of-home placement appropriately and expeditiously in alternative
living arrangements;

(2)     study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of
alternative living arrangements for children that require the cooperative efforts of the
Department of Natural Resources and involve placing children in group homes and
providing them with activities related to the Chesapeake Bay and other wilderness
activities;

(3)     study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of
coordinating with the State Department of Education in developing special
instructional curricula geared toward the needs of children in alternative living
arrangements; and

(4)     study and make recommendations regarding children in alternative
living arrangements and the need for appropriate medical and mental health services
and alcohol and drug abuse services.

(g) The Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the
Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General
Assembly on or before October 1, 2004.

- 1472 -