Powers and duties

Each gang prevention council shall have the following powers and duties: (1) Develop and implement a delinquency prevention plan for the provision and coordination of delinquency programs and services to meet the needs of the communities represented in the district. (2) Advise and assist the judicial administrators or other local officials in the provision of optional, innovative delinquency services in the district to meet the unique needs of delinquent children. (3) Develop, in consultation with the Law Enforcement Planning District Advisory Council, funding sources external to the commission for the provision and maintenance of additional programs and services in the district for delinquent children and their families in consultation with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and Advisory Board. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board may apply for and receive funds, under contract or other funding arrangement, from federal, state, parish, city, and other public agencies, and from public and private foundations, agencies, and charities for the purpose of funding optional, innovative prevention, diversion, or treatment services in the district to meet the unique needs of delinquent children. (4) Contract with city, parish, or other public agencies or private entities for the provision and maintenance of optional, innovative additional prevention and diversion programs and services in the district for delinquent children and their families, in consultation with the Law Enforcement Planning District Advisory Council. In contracting with public and private entities, the Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board may use any funds available to it. The Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board shall actively solicit proposals for new contract and purchase of service programs and services from community organizations, associations, and groups representing the racial and ethnic mix of the community which is being served. (5) Programs may utilize up to fifteen percent of grant funds for audit costs, not to exceed the prorated share and shall require that each grant, contract, and purchase of service agreement entered into between the Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board and any public or private entity to carry out any purpose or responsibility of the commission and of each program grant awarded by the commissioner. An evaluation component is required of each grantee. Evaluations must be submitted to the Juvenile Delinquency and Gang Prevention Advisory Board and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board. (6) Collect information and statistical data helpful in assessing the need for delinquent children services in the district. (7) Consult and coordinate with other districts and agencies dedicated to the provision of delinquent children services and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board in order to ensure availability of sufficient services and prevent overlapping of services. (8) Meet at least quarterly and convene special meetings at the call of the chair or the judicial administrator. (9) Advise, assist, and approve juvenile delinquency and gang prevention program grants submitted by the local public or private entities and submit such applications as are approved for funding consideration by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Board and the commission.