COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

(a) The department and lead entity shall establish a community alliance or similar group of stakeholders to provide a forum for community participation and governance of community-based care under the pilot program. The department and lead entity shall collaborate with: (1) local families with lived experience in the child welfare system; (2) local representatives from sectors related to the child welfare system, including the judiciary, education, and health care; and (3) other community stakeholders. (b) The duties of the community alliance or similar group of stakeholders described by Subsection (a) shall include: (1) joint planning with the department and lead entity regarding resource utilization in the community, including resources appropriated to the department and any funds provided by local funding sources for that purpose; (2) conducting needs assessments and establishing of community priorities for service delivery; (3) determining community outcome goals to supplement state-required outcomes; (4) serving as a catalyst for community resource development, including: (A) identifying existing programs, services, and assistance available from community- and faith-based organizations; (B) encouraging the development and increased availability of programs, services, and assistance available from community- and faith-based organizations; and (C) informing the department and the lead entity of programs, services, and assistance available from community- and faith-based organizations and working to facilitate the lead entity's use of the available resources; (5) providing for community education and advocacy regarding issues related to delivery of services; and (6) promoting family preservation services.