Board; general authority

A. (1) The board may purchase or otherwise acquire, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, improve, repair, operate, lease as lessor or lessee, manage, and administer the management, administration, and operation of a juvenile detention facility or facilities, shelter care facility or facilities, or such other juvenile justice facilities as are useful, necessary, expedient, or convenient to carry out the plans and purposes of the commission and provide for the orderly conduct of its business. All employees shall be employed directly by the commission. (2) Such facilities may include but are not limited to office facilities, parking facilities, diagnostic facilities, dormitories, and other residential facilities for delinquent, neglected, or abused children or children in need of care or supervision, as well as for employees, patrons, visitors, and relatives of children who may enter the juvenile justice system or who are in need of care or supervision. In addition, the commission may lease, purchase, or acquire by donation or otherwise any property, immovable or movable, corporeal or incorporeal, from any person, firm, or corporation, including the state and its agencies and political subdivisions. (3) The diagnostic facilities, dormitories, and other residential facilities may also be used to operate post-adjudication programming, including treatment and rehabilitation. B. The board may also authorize and approve, upon such terms as it may deem advisable, contracts of employment for a superintendent or administrator and other necessary personnel and contracts for legal, financial, engineering, and other professional services necessary or expedient for the conduct of its affairs. The superintendent or administrator shall be employed directly by the commission.