To carry out its assigned functions, the board is authorized, but not limited to:

(1) assess the critical needs for child abuse and neglect prevention;

(2) receive gifts, bequests, and devises for deposit and investment into the trust fund and to award grants to private nonprofit organizations and state agencies that meet certain qualifications;

(3) invest trust fund monies;

(4) solicit proposals for programs which will be aimed at meeting identified child abuse and neglect prevention needs;

(5) provide technical assistance to private, nonprofit organizations, when requested, in preparing proposals for submission to the trust fund;

(6) establish criteria for awarding of grants for child abuse and neglect prevention which shall include the consideration of at least:

(a) the priority of the service need that the proposal addresses;

(b) the quality and soundness of the proposal and its probable effectiveness in accomplishing its objectives;

(c) a cost-benefit analysis of the project;

(d) the degree of community support for the proposal;

(e) the utilization of local resources including volunteers, when appropriate, and matching or in-kind contributions which may be, but are not required;

(f) the qualifications of employees to be hired under the grant;

(g) the experience of the proposed project administrators in providing on going accountability for the program;

(7) enter into contracts for the awarding of grants to private, nonprofit organizations for child abuse and neglect prevention.

HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 361, Section 2; 2008 Act No. 273, Section 1.