(a) The commission shall develop a comprehensive statewide plan that identifies the needs of children and youth, individually and as they relate to their families, and make recommendations to enhance their quality of life. In meeting this charge, the commission may

(1) recommend the services and programs that should be available for children and families in the areas of child care, health, social services, education, special education, child protection, parent and staff training, nutrition, poverty, mental health, safety, and employment of youth;

(2) identify the service needs of children and where gaps and overlaps in services exist;

(3) monitor the emerging needs of and problems facing children, and develop effective, comprehensive, and coordinated strategies to address those needs and problems;

(4) develop and recommend adoption of a process for monitoring and evaluating children's programs;

(5) provide opportunities for the public to participate in the planning and development of children's programs and policies;

(6) receive and act upon requests for recommendations from parents, state officials, members of state advisory committees, legislators, representatives of the state court system, and providers of children's services on matters related to children and youth;

(7) meet with and make recommendations to state officials and members of advisory committees who are responsible for the expenditure of state and federal money and provide recommendations to the legislature and the department on structural and procedural changes, contracting of services, establishment of standards, and the consolidation of efforts designed to deliver services in a more cost-effective manner;

(8) serve as a statewide clearinghouse for government and nongovernment programs and resources relating to children, youth, and families;

(9) serve as an advocate for the interests of children by informing the public, including leaders of the business community, educators, local and state officials, the legal system, and the communications media of the nature and scope of problems faced by children;

(10) coordinate efforts and consult and cooperate with persons, departments, organizations, and groups, including other boards and commissions, interested in the problems and concerns of children and youth; and

(11) make recommendations to the governor, legislature, and state officials with respect to legislation, regulations, and appropriations for programs or services that benefit children and youth.